Marlborough, MA- The Cape Cod Whalers received goals from Joseph Kramer and Peter Kramer, but fell to the Neponset Valley River Rats in the 16U Semifinals of the 2017 Massachusetts Tier I State Championships. The loss ends the Whalers’ streak of three consecutive state titles.

The Whalers fell behind early in the first period, but Joseph Kramer tied the game with two minutes left in the opening frame.

The Rats broke the game open with three goals in the final 4:30 of the second period.

Peter Kramer pulled the Whalers within two early in the third, but the Rats rang up two more in the closing minutes to win the game 6-2.

The Whalers began the weekend with a 4-2 win over the Little Bruins on Friday and followed that with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Boston Jr. Bruins on Saturday afternoon. They bowed to the Boston Jr. Eagles on Saturday night but advanced to the semifinals.

The Massachusetts Selects League congratulates the Cape Cod Whalers 16U team on an excellent season and wishes the players and coaches the best of luck in the upcoming prep school season.