Published in the January 21, 2016 edition
SENIOR FORWARD Patrick Driscoll leads the charge up ice in the third period against Newburyport, but was tripped on his way to the net. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last Saturday night, the North Reading hockey team blanked Pentucket, 3–0, at Haverhill High School. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 7–0–2 on the year. They also went to 5-0-1 in the Cape Ann League.
“It was an important league win,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “We got some timely goals and the defense did another solid job.”
It was also the fourth shutout for goalie Nick Ponte, who made 11 saves, while the Hornet offense had 33 shots on goal.
Tyler Calos scored once in the first period and once more in the third. Mike Driscoll, the team’s top scorer, had the second period goal.
On Jan. 13, the Hornets pasted host Lynnfield, 7–1, at McVann–O’Keefe Rink in Peabody.
“It was a great effort against our rival,” stated Giuliotti. “Our power play rally picked it up.”
The Hornets took advantage of the six Pioneer penalties, scoring five times. North Reading scored twice in the first period, four times in the second and once more in the third. The Pioneers’ lone tally came in the first at the 4:01 mark as they actually led, 1–0, before the Hornets tied it 1:13 later.
Nico Pastore had both Hornet goals in the first period. Pat Driscoll and Jared Valade had the first two Hornet goals in the second period. Calos and Mike Driscoll had the two other North Reading goals in the second.
Calos scored 42-seconds into the third for the final tally. Calos, Mike Driscoll and John Merullo all finished the night with three assists.
The Hornets outshot the Pioneers on net, 31–18, as Ponte made 17 stops.
This Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m., the Hornets host Masconomet at Merrimack College. Next Monday night at 7 p.m., the Hornets go to the Valley Forum in Haverhill to take on North Andover in a non–league game.
