Published January 7, 2021
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
ANDOVER — Despite an ever-increasing COVID-19 caseload in Massachusetts and the threat of further lockdowns on the horizon, health officials and the MIAA have found the means to ease certain pandemic restrictions enough for high school athletics to proceed this winter.
Approved sports are limited to basketball, ice hockey, gymnastics and swimming and will feature a shortened 10 game season instead of the typical 20, along with a number of safety precautions designed for distancing and limiting prolonged exposure between the participants. And, of course, individual schools have the right to opt out.
Officials with North Reading High School have chosen to move forward with the resumption of specific sports programs, including ice hockey, which last night hosted Triton at the Kasabuski Arena (results in after press time).
As expected, the players and their coaching staff are pleased that the decision was made in their favor and they have the opportunity to compete. They’re aware that other schools in the region, including neighboring Reading, are not as fortunate.
“These guys are grateful that we finally have some normalcy after the nine months we’ve been going through this,” said North Reading head coach Brian McAuliffe, shortly after putting his team through their paces at Phillips Academy. “Even practices like this are a welcome change. But as it is now, we have to assume every game that we play might be our last.”
First and foremost on the MIAA’s list of COVID-19 safety guidelines is a mask-wearing requirement for all participants, players and coaches alike. Temperatures checks are mandated, along with distancing during bus travel, in the locker rooms, and on the bench. Common sense dictates that water bottles will not be shared between players and handshakes and celebrations are not allowed. Other noteworthy rules feature rosters that have been reduced from 22 to 20 players and the lack of playoffs and tournaments. Also, unfortunately, spectators will be prohibited from entering facilities.
From the perspective of on-ice officials, the rules are even more defined. Faceoffs, for instance, will be administered with the players six feet apart. Only after the puck is dropped will they be allowed to converge into the circle. In the event of multiple penalties, only one detainee will occupy the box. An alternate holding area will be designated for added infractions. And only two opposing players are allowed to compete for a loose puck. A third player in will draw a whistle.
All-in-all, a rather complicated process but again, the players seem to take it all in stride.
“The COVID rules will definitely change our style of play a bit,” said senior Salvatore Schille, who was selected as the Hornets’ third team captain to a round of applause during practice. “But we just have to stay versatile and adapt to the new rules. We’re all smart enough to figure it out and adjust as necessary.”
Senior co-captain Nick Pasquale agreed, stating “It’s not an ideal situation but as long as we get to be with the boys, get some work in, and play a little hockey, I’m pleased with that.”
It’s a shame that the Hornets will only be playing an abbreviated season with no spectators because early indications are that this team will be fun to watch. They’re very quick and loaded with talent.
“We’re heavy with seniors, which is a good thing,” said McAuliffe, who has added a postseason mini-tournament featuring games between North Reading, Newburyport, Lynnfield, and Triton in a double-elimination format. “I’m confident we’ll be able to fully utilize the experience we have. Our goal is to run through this shortened season, undefeated, and win the CAL (Cape Ann League). We have several lines, all able to score goals, a solid defensive corps, and a pair of outstanding goalies. I’m excited about this team’s prospects.”
Senior Hornets include Francis Brachanow, Sean Brown, Timothy Buckley, Derek Danis, Michael Dee, Ryan Fabrizio, Dylan Kelleher, Kyle Moore, Nicholas Pasquale, Jonathan Patch, Joseph Robishaw, and Salvatore Schille.
The junior class is represented by Nicholas Albano, Joseph Collins, Andrew Daley, Justin Daley, Samuel Elliott, Landon Phillips, Dean Rooney, and Matthew Ryan.
Sophomore Matthew Young and Freshmen Derek Daley and Martin Pierce round out the North Reading roster.
When asked about the strengths of the 2021 Hornets, junior tri-captain Matt Ryan said, “One thing that surprised me about this team was our depth. Coming into this season, we have three good offensive lines which is something we haven’t had during the past few years. With the kind of weapons we have, we should be able to get plenty of quality chances and win games.”
