Published in the February 11, 2016 edition
HORNET JUNIOR James Doran fires a shot on net while surrounded by his Newburyport opponents. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High hockey team blanked visiting Pentucket, 6–0, last Saturday night at Merrimack College. With that win, the Hornets’ record improved to 9-3-3 overall and 7-2-2 in the Cape Ann League.
North Reading was also able to complete the season sweep over the Sachems as they won the first match-up, 3–0, on Jan. 16 at Veterans Rink in Haverhill.
Mike Driscoll led the way with a hat trick while Tyler Calos, Jared Valade and Jack Schille also found the back of the Sachems net.
Driscoll also had one assist to end the night with four points while Brian Carter and Valade both led the team in assists with three.
Nick Ponte made 13 saves in net to record his fourth shutout of the season. The Hornets had 22 shots on net.
“The team played a complete 45 minute game with balanced scoring, solid defense and great goaltending,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “ Hopefully this win helps propel us as we make a push towards the end of the year.”
On Feb. 3, the Hornets fell to host Newburyport, 4–2, at Graf Rink. North Reading finished 0–1–1 against the Clippers this season as the teams tied, 2–2, on Jan. 10 at Merrimack College.
The Clippers scored with 1:34 remaining in the first period. Calos then scored with 45 seconds into the second period to tie the game at one. John Merullo and Matt Correiri both assisted.
However, the Clippers scored twice in the second to go to the intermission up 3–1.
At the 5:38 mark of the third, Calos scored again with Merullo and Correiri assisting again.
With 40 seconds left, the Clippers closed the door with an empty-net goal.
North Reading outshot Newburyport, 25-24, as Ponte made 20 saves.
“We played well but fell short,” said Giuliotti. “They got the breaks in this one which was the difference in the end.”
Next Monday and Tuesday the Hornets will compete in the Jeff Hayes Memorial Tournament at Gallo Arena in Buzzards Bay down on Cape Cod.
On Monday, the Hornets take on Oliver Ames at 4 p.m. They will then play either Lowell Catholic or Sandwich on Tuesday depending how they do on Monday. The consolation game is at 1:30 p.m. while the title game is at 3:30 p.m.
