Published in the January 3, 2018 edition
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
PEABODY — On Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team edged guest North Reading 1-0 at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. With that win, the Pioneers improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cape Ann League.
“That was one of our biggest wins in a while,” stated Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “They have been our kryptonite the past few years and, even though they lost some players to graduation, are still a strong program.”
The lone goal of the day came when Will Garofoli scored in the opening period assisted by Chris Flannery and Kyle Nekoroski at the 9:16 mark.
Aidan Kelly made 18 saves in net to go to 6-1 and post his second shutout of the year. The Pioneers outshot the Hornets on net, 18-16.
Crush Saugus; edged by Winthrop at Kasabuski Tournament
In the first game of the Kasabuski Christmas Classic on Dec. 26, the Pioneers rolled over Saugus 5-1.
Jack Hammersley had the first goal with 20 seconds left in the first period. Just six seconds later, Cooper Marengi scored off the face-off to make it 2-0.
“That second goal was a backbreaker for them,” said Gardner.
Tyler Murphy then made it 3-0, 1:18 into the second assisted by Leo Quinn. A couple of minutes later, Sean Robbins scored his first goal of the season to push the lead to four heading into the second intermission. George DeRoche and Flannery both assisted.
DeRoche then scored the final goal early in the third.
The Sachems avoided the shutout scoring with 5:42 remaining.
Kelly made 17 saves in that game as the Pioneers outshot the Sachems net, 24-17.
In the second game of the tournament on Dec. 28, the Pioneers were nipped, 2-1, by Winthrop at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus.
The Vikings scored the game’s first goal 4:40 into the second period.
Joey Mack tied it with a shot from the point with 3:18 left in the game on the power play but the Vikings scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway with 1:04 left.
“We got hurt with our aggressive play late,” acknowledged Gardner about the turnover. “We didn’t deserve to win that game.”
The Vikings outshot the Pioneers on net, 25-16, as Kelly made 23 saves.
“Aidan kept us in that game,” pointed out Gardner.
Conquer Generals 6-0
On Dec. 23, the Pioneers shut out Hamilton-Wenham, 6-0, at McVann-O’Keefe. DeRoche led the way with a hat trick. Murphy had a shorthanded goal as did Rob Brandano while Jaret Simpson scored on the power play from Brandano for his first goal of the year.
The Pioneers outshot the Generals on goal, 29-12.
This Saturday at noon, the Pioneers face Peabody at McVann-O’Keefe. Although the rink is the home ice for both schools, the Pioneers are the home team in this game.
