BIDDEFORD — Thanks to an early goal and a strong performance by goalie Tom Green, the Biddeford boys hockey team took down rival Thornton Academy 1-0 Saturday evening at the Biddeford Ice Arena.

The Tigers got on the board early when Brady Crepeau scored with 6:53 remaining in the opening period.

Although TA was on the attack for much of the first, Green and the Biddeford defense stifled the Trojan attack.

TA continued to press the Tigers and was granted a handful of opportunities in the second period, including a five-minute powerplay and a two-minute advantage. Despite the advantages, Green shut out TA heading into the third.

Biddeford coach Rich Reissfelder felt that his team’s special teams was the difference in the match.

“I thought we played great five-on-five, but unfortunately we took a ton of penalties there in the second. (Thornton Academy) went on the long powerplay but our special teams were strong, our penalty kill was great,” said Reissfelder.

Reissfelder was impressed with Green’s performance.

“Tom Green came up huge for us … (he) played out of his mind,” said Reissfelder. “It was one of the best performances I have ever seen.”

With the win, Biddeford improves to 8- 9 while TA drops to 9-6-1.