THE SENIORS on the LHS boys’ hockey team were honored before their 6-1 win over Rockport on Saturday at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink. Pictured are the seven Pioneer seniors: Lucas Cook, Drew Damiani, Nolan Drislane, Ryan Hooper, Nick Lucich, Dan McSweeney and Domenic Micieli. (LHS Hockey Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
PEABODY — The Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team stayed the lone unbeaten team in the state heading into this week as they knocked off guest Rockport, 6-1, last Saturday afternoon at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody.
The Pioneers, who were celebrating their Senior Day, improved to 15-0-1 overall and 10-0 in the Cape Ann League.
This game was actually tied going into the third period as the Pioneers erupted for five goals in the third.
“Their freshman goalie played well and they packed it in, in front of their net,” explained Lynnfield head coach Jon Gardner. “We controlled the play and were able to break out in the third.”
Lynnfield had a season-high 55 shots on net while the Vikings had 22.
Rockport(6-10-1) actually scored first in the opening period to take a temporary, 1-0, lead as Quinn Brady scored 6:13 into the game. Drew Daminai tied the game on the power player with 1:23 remaining in the first. Joe Raffa and Jack Carpenter both assisted.
After a scoreless second period, Dylan Damiani scored the first goal of the third to take the lead for good 5:13 in with Jack Neenan assisting. Jarret Scoppettuolo made it 3-1 at the 6:03 mark assisted by Jack Connell and Aidan Norton.
Will Norton made it 4-1 with 7:13 remaining with Tim Sullivan getting the assist.
Scoppettuolo netted his second goal with 5:24 left on the power play assisted by Carpenter and Drew Damiani.
Dylan Damiani had the sixth goal with 2:03 left and that was unassisted.
Lynnfield goalie, Dan McSweeney, made 21 saves to go to 15-0-1 in net.
Before the game, the seven LHS seniors were honored.
On Feb. 8, the team traveled to the Veterans Memorial Rink in Haverhill to take on Pentucket. Lynnfield ended up beating the Panthers, 5-1, in the team’s only meeting this year.
Will Norton scored in the first period with 2:17 left assisted by Nick Lucich and Nick Kelter.
In the second, LHS scored twice with both coming from Carpenter. The first one was even strength while the second one came shorthanded.
Carpenter made a nice move with 7:03 left and the shorthanded one came with 4:34 remaining assisted by Raffa and Lucas Cook.
Aiden Norton made it 4-0 with 10:51 left in the game with Even Rocha and Neenan assisting while Lucich had the final Pioneer tally with 7:12 left on the power play assisted by Carpenter and Scoppettuolo.
The Panthers were able to avoid the shutout scoring with 2:16 left as Cam Dewar scored.
“We had a breakdown that allowed them to score,” explained Gardner, who was excited to see McSweeney pick up the shutout.
Lynnfield outshot Pentucket 30-23, as McSweeney turned back 22 Panther shots.
“That was a tough one since it was their Senior Night and they came out strong,” said Gardner.
On Feb. 15, the Pioneers face Bishop Fenwick at 7:15 p.m. at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink. The Crusaders are the home team for this game as that rink is also their home rink.
They then travel to Martha’s Vineyard this coming weekend for the Fairleigh Dickenson Tournament. The Pioneers will face Hopkinton in the first game on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. They will then either play Martha’s Vineyard or Hudson in the title or consolation game the next day (time to be determined).
