RANDOLPH – Whenever a program graduates many key players, it can take a few years to rebuild.

For Braintree’s boys hockey team, a winning tradition remains intact with leaders like Matt Morelli. The senior defenseman sniped a pair of goals, including the game-clincher in overtime Saturday, as the Wamps opened their season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bay State Conference rival Walpole.

“We’re all just a really tight group of kids,” Morelli said. “We don’t have a lot of superstars on our team, but we’re all just bought in to what the coaches are telling us, day in and day out at practice. I think being so bought in, being so tight as a group and hanging out whenever we can really helps us in every aspect.”

As fans packed Zupustas Arena, it felt like Braintree (1-0) had an immediate home ice advantage, and the Wamps fed off the crowd’s energy early.

Just 3:16 into play, Walpole (0-1) was assessed a roughing penalty. It didn’t take long for Braintree to capitalize, as Morelli collected the puck and fired a wrist shot on net. The attempt whistled through a crowd and found twine for a power-play tally as the Wamps seized a 1-0 lead with 10:35 left in the first period.

Braintree’s Matt Morelli, center, is congratulated by teammates Matt Hanlon, left, and Evan Anderson, right, after Morelli scored a goal against Walpole during the first period. (Photo by Paul Connors/Media News Group/Boston Herald)

“I remember getting the pass from my d-man,” Morelli said. “Without that pass, I don’t score that goal. We got a lot of traffic in front, and I don’t think the goalie could see. My shot found its way through.”

However, Walpole was able to pick things up as the game wore on, gaining confidence with each hit. The score held until the early stages of the third, when Braintree was called for hooking with 11:13 left in regulation. The Timberwolves took advantage of their golden opportunity, as Dan Morris won a faceoff in the offensive end. The senior center corralled the puck behind the Wamps’ net and fed a pass to the slot for Aiden Hoyle. The junior buried the equalizer, as Walpole knotted things at 1-all with 10:30 remaining.

It wouldn’t be hockey season without some early drama, as the BSC rivals entered an overtime session. Looking for a game-winning shot, Walpole’s Tommy O’Brien had an opportunity to end things on a breakaway. Wamps goaltender Cam Barron had other ideas, coming up with a massive save.

“He came out, took the shooting lane away,” said Braintree coach Dave Fasano. “He didn’t sit back in net. That was huge.”

Seconds later, Braintree started a rush in the opposite direction. As he had done most of the day, Michael Roof was there to make a stop for Walpole off the Wamps’ initial shot attempt from Fionn Boyce. However, the puck was dislodged from his reach as a pileup began. Morelli was in the perfect spot at just the right time, tapping it over the goal line to send Zapustas Arena into pandemonium.

Walpole’s Ryan Jackson, left, snd Braintree’s Mike Ryan battle for position while chasing down the puck during the first period. Braintree won in overtime, 2-1. (Photo by Paul Connors/Media News Group/Boston Herald)

Matt Hanlon and Jake Hillard registered assists in the win for Braintree.

“That’s huge, to get the win,” Fasano said. “Because hopefully they gain a little bit of confidence. We’ve been going for two weeks now, and they haven’t had a day off. So, we’re going to take tomorrow off, rest our bodies, then come right back at it Monday and watch some film. Make some adjustments. Hopefully, we can improve offensively. I don’t think it was a lack of effort – we put 40 shots on net. But that’s how you’re going to beat a big goalie like that. You’ve got to get a scrum in front, and hopefully get a bit of puck luck. Walpole battles hard too, though, credit to them.”