THE LHS boys’ hockey team dropped four games against difficult competition recently. They will look to reset for league play on Saturday, 8 p.m. against Rockport at Talbot Rink in Gloucester. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
BOSTON — In the consolation game of the Michael Giordano Christmas Classic, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team lost to Boston Latin, 4-1, on Dec. 28 at the Murphy Rink in South Boston.
With that defeat, the Pioneers’ record dropped to 2-4 overall while the Wolfpack improved to 3-2.
“The game was closer than the final shows,” said Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “It was 2-1 in the third period before they got those two other goals.”
In the final moments of the first period, the Wolfpack scored to go to the first intermission up 1-0.
They then made it 2-0 early in the second but Owen Considine got the locals on the scoreboard later on in the period as it was 2-1 heading into the third.
Jarrett Scoppettuolo assisted on the play.
Boston Latin then got a power-play tally midway through the third to make it 3-1.
“That goal took the wind out of our sails,” admitted Gardner. “We gave up that final goal right afterwards.”
Lynnfield was out shot, 22-19, as Pioneer goalie Angelo Covino made 18 saves. Covino’s record fell to 1-2 in net.
In the first-round game the day before, the Pioneers lost a heart-breaker in overtime, 2-1, against Hanover. The Hawks, who lost to Winthrop, 4-2, in the tournament title game Thursday, scored the game-winner in the first minute of the overtime session.
“This was one of the most frustrating games that I have ever coached,” stated Gardner. “We out-shot them 32-12, and had the possession most of the time but their goalie played well.”
After a scoreless opening period, the Hawks scored first in the second. Aidan Norton tied it later on in the second to end the scoring in regulation time.
Lynnfield’s goalie in this game was Mike Marenghi (1-2) as he made 10 stops.
On Dec. 23, the Pioneers fell, 3-1, to visiting King Philip at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody in a non-league match-up.
It was the team’s first home loss since Jan. 1, 2022.
“Our special teams didn’t show up,” stated Gardner.
Despite having 10 power plays, the Pioneers netted only one goal while the Warriors went 3 for 5.
All four goals were scored in the second period.
The Warriors went up, 3-0, when Will Norton scored on the power play to cut the lead to two. Tim Sullivan and Jack Carpenter both assisted.
Lynnfield out-shot the Warriors on net 26-20.
Covino started in net and was replaced by Marenghi after the third Warrior tally. Covino made 13 saves while Marenghi made four stops.
The next Lynnfield game will be on Jan. 6, as the Pioneers will go to the Talbot Rink in Gloucester to take on host Rockport-Manchester-Essex.
Face-off is at 8 p.m.
