Post 4-0 shutout over Saugus in Kasabuski Tournament

THE WMHS boys' hockey team gathers near the net during a recent game. The Warriors posted a 4-0 triumph over Saugus in the consolation round of the Kasabuski Christmas Classic yesterday at the Kasabuski Arena.

THE WMHS boys’ hockey team gathers near the net during a recent game. The Warriors posted a 4-0 triumph over Saugus in the consolation round of the Kasabuski Christmas Classic yesterday at the Kasabuski Arena.

Published in the December 30, 2015 edition.

SAUGUS — While the Wakefield Memorial High boys’ hockey team didn’t win the Kasabuski Christmas Classic, it did earn three out of a four possible points which might make a big difference in its state tournament aspirations.

The Warriors played one of their finest games of the season and posted a 4-0 triumph over Saugus in the consolation round of the holiday tournament yesterday afternoon at the Kasabuski Arena.

Wakefield is now 2-2-1 overall on the season with the first round game against Danvers officially counting as a tie for state qualifying purposes. There is no overtime in the regular season except in tourneys such as this one when a winner is needed for a team to advance.

Wakefield scored a goal in each of the first two periods and added two more in the third to turn the contest into a rout.

Junior forward PJ Iannuzzi and senior forward Zach Kane both scored their first career goals.

Senior captain Anthony Funicella, a forward, and junior forward David Melanson each scored a goal and assisted on another.

Tyler Pugsley, a sophomore, played in goal for the Warriors and recorded his first career shutout. Pugsley was making his first start of the season.

Iannuzzi got the Warriors on the scoreboard with the first goal of the game at 1:32. Senior defenseman Logan Dunn and freshman forward Tom Harrington assisted on the goal.

Melanson scored the second goal at 2:18 of the second period and did so unassisted which gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead after two.

Wakefield added two more goals in the third period to give itself even more breathing room.

Kane lit the lamp at 31 seconds with senior captain and forward Steve Marino and Funicella assisting on the goal.

The final goal of the game was scored at 2:33. Funicella scored the goal with senior captain and defenseman Dylan Melanson and David Melanson earning the assists.

Wakefield begins play in the Middlesex League Freedom division on Saturday, Jan. 2 against Stoneham at the Kasabuski Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

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Kasabuski Christmas Tournament

At Kasabuski Arena, Saugus

WAKEFIELD……….1  1  2 — 4

Saugus……………….0  0  0 — 0

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First Period — Wak, Iannuzzi (Dunn, Harrington) 1:32. Penalties — Wak, Iannuzzi (elbowing) 3:53; Sau, Paolo (interference) 7:57; Wak, Regan, major, (boarding) 12:23.

Second Period — Wak, Da.Melanson (un.) 2:18. Penalties — Wak, Dy.Melanson (unsportsmanlike conduct) 3:19; Sau, Patterson, major, (hitting from behind) 3:19; Wak, Marino (interference) 7:02; Sau, Paolo (slashing) 7:02; Wak, Lucey (roughing) 8:42.

Third Period — Wak, Kane (Marino, Funicella) :31. Wak, Funicella (Dy.Melanson, Da.Melanson) 2:33. Penalties — Sau, Alcott (holding) :31; Sau, Ronan (roughing, misconduct) 3:16; Wak, Marino (roughing, misconduct) 3:16; Sau, Torres (high-sticking) 6:00; Sau, Landry (elbowing) 8:58; Wak, Sullivan (unsportsmanlike conduct) 10:43; Sau, Patterson (misconduct) 11:17.

Power Plays — Wakefield 0 for 5. Saugus 0 for 4.

Goalies — Wak, Pugsley. Sau, Sanderson.