Published in the March 3, 2016 edition
SENIOR BRIAN COTTER waits in front of the net for a pass from a teammate. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High boys hockey team wrapped up the regular season in style on Feb. 24 as they shutout host Beverly, 8–0, at Endicott College. With that non–league win, the Hornets ended up at 13–4–3 overall.
“The team played well and hopefully we can take that energy into the post season,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “Everybody contributed which was nice to see.”
The Hornets scored three times in the first and second periods and twice more in the third.
Mike Driscoll scored the first goal 4:10 into the game. He then assisted on Tyler Calos tally on the power play at the 10:27 mark. With eight-seconds left in the first, Calos scored again assisted by Driscoll and that tally was also on the power play.
At the 4:01 mark of the second period, the Hornets scored another power play goal as Nicco Pastore scored. Just 42-seconds later, Kevin Murphy made it 5-0. Driscoll scored the Hornets sixth goal with 6:57 left.
Justin Bruzzese had the sixth goal while John Stringer capped off the scoring.
North Reading outshot the Panthers on goal, 41–14, as goalie Nick Ponte posted his ninth shutout of the year.
The Hornets are the second seed in the Division 2 North state tournament. They faced 15th-seeded Everatt on March 1 (results not available at press time). I
If the Hornets won that game, they would play either Lincoln–Sudbury or Stoneham on Friday night (time and location unknown at press time) in the quarterfinals round.
