READING – It’s likely to the surprise of few that the boys hockey Middlesex League Liberty title came down to an overtime thriller, and Wednesday night, Arlington sophomore Nolan Russell didn’t shy away from the moment.

After failing to convert a penalty shot earlier in the game, Russell potted two goals in crunch time to deliver the No. 8 Spy Ponders (15-3-2) a 2-1, comeback win over No. 7 Reading (13-5) for the league crown.

Both goals were assisted by freshman JP Messuri, and each came after just three minutes remained in regulation. Russell forced overtime with 2:29 left in the third, before following his own rebound for the game-winner three minutes into extra time. The defense didn’t allow a shot on its own net in overtime, punctuating a scrappy battle in the defensive zone the entire game.

Not bad for a group labeled as young, inexperienced and rebuilding back in December.

“(Winning the league) just feels awesome,” Russell said. “You dream of doing this stuff, and to actually do it is a dream-come-true.”

“This is a really good league … Reading is really good,” Arlington head coach John Messuri added. “For us to win the regular season title is – I’m so proud of those kids. … For us to just stay with it, I’m super proud of them.”

Scoring opportunities were far and few between in this one, with the two teams combining for just 36 shots on net through the end of regulation as defenses battled. Reading’s Chris Hanifan (19 saves) and Arlington’s Ryan Martin (17 saves) stayed even-keeled on whatever got through per usual, but Ryan MacCurtain’s goal off fancy stick-work entering the zone gave the Rockets a 1-0 lead in the first period.

Up until the last three minutes of regulation, the best opportunity Arlington had to tie things up was a penalty shot Russell was rewarded in the second period. But while Hanifan didn’t budge on the collection of baiting moves the sophomore tried, Russell wouldn’t be held off from eventually leaving a mark.

JP Messuri sent a no-look pass into the zone to Russell in the final three minutes of the third, which he potted to tie things up. Overtime saw the same connection, with JP Messuri finding Russell from below the goal line to the right post.

Russell’s first shot was saved by a sprawling Hanifan, but Russell was right in front to clean up the rebound and get the game-winner with 2:01 left to play.

“I was pissed after that penalty shot,” Russell said. “I just felt like I needed to score. After that penalty shot, an opportunity like that, I just need to capitalize.”