Following an up-and-down beginning to its season, the Goffstown Middle School ice hockey team proved steady and ready for postseason play, coming from behind to defeat a strong group from North Reading, Mass., 4-2, in the playoff semifinals, then pulling away from Londonderry for a 7-0 shutout victory in the finals recently.

Goffstown won four of its last five regular-season contests, but ran into North Reading and trailed, 2-0, in the semis, despite controlling play.

Finally, Ryan DeSantis broke through with a slap shot late in the second period to slice the deficit in half. Tyler Brady evened the contest early in the third with a slap shot from the point, as Goffstown demonstrated its ability to control the puck with pinpoint passing.

With time winding down in the third, Tyler Grinley gave Goffstown the lead, converting a feed from Evan Dalaker. DeSantis capped the scoring with an empty- net tally.

Goaltender Chase Gagne played well for the locals and earned the win.

The following week in the championship game, Goffstown’s well-balanced offense proved too much for Londonderry.

Kyle Posluszny scored in the first period with a shot from the point. Andrew Chretien provided the second period’s lone score, assisted by Grinley.

Goffstown then exploded for five goals in the third, with Chretien, Posluszny, Griffin Barbaro, Dalaker and DeSantis lighting the lamp. Zach Storro and Josh Jacob picked up assists.

Ben Genest manned the net for Goffstown, earning the shutout.