AIDAN NORTON had two goals and an assist in Lynnfield’s 3-0 win over Essex Tech on Saturday at McVann-O’Keefe Rink. The Pioneers host King Philip back at McVann-O’Keefe this Saturday at 12 p.m. (LHS Boys’ Hockey Photo)

 

 

After press time: Lynnfield falls to King Phillip 3-1 (Dec. 23)
Lynnfield falls to Hanover 2-1 in OT (Dec. 26)
Lynnfield falls to Boston Latin 4-1 (Dec. 27)

 

 

Published December 20, 2023

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

PEABODY — Last Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team hosted Cape Ann League newcomer, Essex Tech, at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody.

The Pioneers ended up shutting out the Hawks 3-0.

With that victory, LHS improved to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the CAL while the Hawks fell to 0-2 overall and in the league..

Aidan Norton scored the first two goals and he also assisted on Joe Raffa’s tally as all three goals were scored in the first period.

“Aidan is an instrumental part of our offense as a defensemen as we use him on the power play and penalty kill,” pointed out Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “He has good size and a lethal shot.”

Norton’s first goal came 6:14 in assisted by his twin brother Will. His second tally came at the 9:10 mark and that was assisted by Jack Marenghi who won the face-off and got the puck back to Norton for the slap shot.

The third goal came on the power play as Raffa lit the lamp assisted by Jack Carpenter and Aidan Norton with 1:47 remaining.

The game got chippy later on as the Hawks got more frustrated and both teams started chirping at each other.

Pioneer sophomore goalie, Mike Marenghi, posted his first career shutout with 18 saves to go to 1-1.

“He was spectacular out there,” stated Gardner. “At one point, they had a 5-on-3 power play and he was able to keep it out of the net.”

Lynnfield out-shot the Hawks 31-18.

The Pioneers got their first win of the season in its home opener on Dec. 12 as they beat non-league Malden Catholic 5-1.

This game was closer than the final would indicate as the game was tied at 1-1 heading into the third. However, Lynnfield then erupted for four third-period goals to break the game open.

“We had chances all game, including one goal that was called back later in the first period but we were able to bear down and finish in the third period,” said Gardner.

Just 1:47 into the game, Tim Sullivan scored assisted by Will Norton and Raffa.

The Crusaders tied it five minutes into the second period and the score stayed knotted at one heading into the final 15 minutes.

In the third, Evan Rocha scored the eventual game-winning goal just 56 seconds in. Carpenter and his brother, Jay, both assisted.

With 10:46 remaining, Raffa made it 3-1 with Will Norton and Jay Carpenter both assisting.

Owen Considine had the fourth goal with 8:37 left with Dylan Damiani and Jack Neenan both credited with an assist.

The final Pioneer goal came on the power play as Will Norton scored with 3:18 remaining. Sullivan and Jay Carpenter assisted.

Angelo Covino was the goalie in this game for the locals as he recorded his first-ever win with 16 saves. The Pioneers out-shot the Crusaders 29-17.

On Dec. 23, the Pioneers host King Philip in a non-league game at noon.

They then will participate in the Michael Giordano Christmas Classic at the Murphy Memorial Rink in South Boston.

On Dec. 26 Lynnfield will face Hanover at 10 a.m. The Pioneers will then either play Boston Latin or Winthrop in the consolation or title game the next day. They will play at 4:30 p.m. if they beat Hanover or 2 p.m. in the consolation game.