BRIDGEWATER — The Rockland boys’ hockey team is off to the best start in program history.
On Wednesday afternoon, with sophomore goalie Jake Johnson making the first start of his varsity career, the Bullodgs blanked East Bridgewater, 5-0, in a South Shore League matchup at the Bridgewater Ice Arena.
Rockland (11-0-1, 6-0-0 SSL) has clinched a spot in the Division 3 South tourney for the ninth straight season.
“Nobody in that [locker] room has not made the state tournament,’’ said coach Mike Flaherty.
“It’s something to be really proud of, and it’s something we strive for every year. We’ve got the longest streak in school history going now.’’
Four Bulldogs found the back of the net. Freshman forward Zach Callahan netted a pair, raising his season total to nine, which shares the team lead with junior Joe Yeadon, who connected once against East Bridgewater. Sophomore Brian Goode and junior Mike Flaherty, the coach’s son, had one each.
After Flaherty finished off a breakaway with the only goal of the first period, Rockland blew the game open with three more in the second period.
Callahan had both of his goals in the frame, and Goode poured in another with less than a minute to play in the period. Their offensive outburst in the frame effectively sunk East Bridgewater (3-6-3, 0-5-1), a South Shore League rival.
Rockland shut down the Vikings’ offense from puck drop, containing leading scorer Alex Rose (13 goals), who was limited to three shots.
“We’re a pretty fast team,’’ Flaherty said. “When we play fast, it’s hard for teams to adjust to us.’’
Johnson had faced just five total shots prior to his first start, but was confident and poised in his shutout effort.
“It feels good,’’ Johnson said after the win. “I felt pretty comfortable going into the game, and I just kinda did my own thing.’’
Yeadon connected on the final goal in the third period, sneaking a wraparound attempt between the legs of East Bridgewater goalie Hunter Dempsey for his ninth of the year.
In 12 games, Rockland has outscored opponents 50-14, with a 26-6 margin in South Shore League play.
James Duffy can be reachd at james.duffy@globe.com.
