By Ryan Hannable

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - The NALL made its debut in Massachusetts Saturday night and one could not have asked for a better game as the Baltimore Bombers, playing in their first ever NALL game, defeated the Boston Rockhoppers 17-16 in overtime before roughly 1,300 fans at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA.

Baltimore’s Andrew Wasik’s snipe on a two-man advantage 3:17 into overtime gave the Bombers the win, spoiling the Rockhoppers home opener in what was a great, back and forth game as no team ever led by more than two goals.

Boston got two late goals to force overtime, the first by Ryan Hotaling, who scored with 3:47 to play and then Tim Fallon, who was unbelievable on face offs, scored the game-tying goal with 2:47 remaining in regulation. Hotaling was the Rockhoppers top offensive threat all game long.

The Rockhoppers needed to kill off a penalty the final 1:42 of the game and the start of overtime. Goaltender Nick Schroeder was up for the challenge making some key saves, while opposite Schroeder was Baltimore goaltender Ginny Capichionni, who was equally as impressive all game long.

The first quarter saw plenty of back and forth action with the Rockhoppers leading 6-5.

Baltimore carried most of the play in the second quarter, but it could have been a lot worse for Boston as they were assessed a five minute major for boarding, but only allowed two goals, and actually scored one shorthanded on the extended man up advantage. The Bombers took a 10-9 lead at halftime.

Boston dominated the third quarter, outscoring Baltimore 5-2 in the frame. Tommy Palasek scored two goals in the quarter to lead the Rockhoppers, who entered the final quarter with a 14-12 lead.

Baltimore scored the first four goals of the final quarter to take a 16-14 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game, which set up the exciting finish to regulation and then overtime.

It was a very intense game, with some big hits from both sides as each team really wanted the win. The packed house was loud, and on their feet for a lot of the game as there was constant up and down action, with a few scrums mixed in.

The Rockhoppers fell to 1-1, while the Bombers start their season 1-0. Baltimore is in action again next weekend when they have their first home game, taking on the Rhode Island Kingfish next Sunday at 3:00.

Boston will be in action next Saturday night, January, 19 when they have a rematch of their opening game win over the Kentucky Stickhorses. Face off is set for 7:00 at the New England Sports Center.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.bostonrockhoppers.com.