Published in the February 1, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

SAUGUS — The North Reading High hockey team defeated visiting Pentucket 5-2 at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus last Saturday night. The Hornets were able to complete the season sweep against the Sachems with the win as they improved to 5-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the Cape Ann League.

Josh Zelikman was the story of this game as the junior forward scored a career-high four times. Bill McCann had the other tally and it was the sophomore’s first career goal.

JOSH ZELIKMAN allows himself a fist pump after his second goal of the game against Pentucket. Zelikman followed up a buzzer-beating, game-tying goal against Newburyport with 0.4 seconds left last Wednesday, by scoring four goals in North Reading’s 5-2 win over Pentucket at Kasabuski on Saturday. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

“He was out early this year because of a broken jaw,” pointed out Hornets head coach John Giuliotti, about Zelikman. “He did a good job of keeping himself in shape and he is a fantastic player.”

North Reading led 2-0 after the first period and 4-0 after the second.

The Hornets outshot the Sachems on net, 38-19, as goalie Justin DiPlatzi made 17 saves to pick up the win.

Tie first-place Clippers

It was a memorable week for Zelikman as he scored with 0.4 seconds left in the game to tie CAL leader, Newburyport, 2-2, at Graf Rink on Jan. 24.

The Hornets had a 6-on-4 advantage as they were on the power play and goalie Justin DiPlatzi was pulled.

“It was the best game we had all year,” said Giuliotti. “It almost felt like a win the way we tied it. I was really proud of our guys.”

Pat Scanlon had the other North Reading goal as they took a 1-0 lead in the first period. The Clippers then tied it a few minutes later when Cole Spence scored on a scrum in front of the net.

With 3:23 left in the third period, Declan Sullivan scored to make it 2-1.

DiPlatzi was pulled with a little over a minute remaining in the game.

The Clippers outshot the Hornets on net, 25-23, as DiPlatzi made 23 stops.

This Saturday afternoon at 2:30, the Hornets take on host Masconomet at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. The Chieftains won the first meeting, 5-1, back on Jan. 10.