Published in the January 19, 2017 edition
THE HORNETS hockey team celebrates their big win over North Andover. (John Friberg photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
On Saturday afternoon, the North Reading High boys hockey team beat guest Triton, 5-3, at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. With the victory, the Hornets improved to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in the Cape Ann League.
“They are a tough team to play,” admitted Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “They also have a new coach, but the special teams were the difference.”
North Reading had two power-play goals while the Vikings did not have any.
Matt Corrieri scored 5:08 into the first period assisted by Josh Zelikman and Colin Chase. However, the Vikings scored the next two goals to take the lead lighting the lamp at the 6:42 and 7:41 marks of the first period.
With 5:23 remaining in the first, Pat Scanlon tied the game on the power play assisted by Owen Maxwell.
Zeilkman gave the Hornets in the lead in the second period assisted by Corrieri and Matt Gravallese scored on the power play unassisted to make it 4-2 heading into the third period.
Triton then cut the lead to two with a little over five minutes left in the game. They then pulled their goalie for the extra skater in the final minute but Corrieri scored on the empty net with 40-seconds left.
The Hornets were outshot on goal, 20-19, as goalie John Day improved to 9-0 making 17 saves.
On Jan. 11, also at home, the Hornets shutout visiting North Andover, 3-0, for a non-league victory.
“They have a solid team for it was a great non-league win for us,” said Giuliotti, about the Scarlet Knights. “Again, the special teams came through.”
The Hornets had two power-plays goals along with an empty-netter.
After a scoreless first period, John Merullo scored at the 7:01 mark of the second period assisted by Zelikman and Tyler Collins. Zelikman then made it 2-0 just 42-seconds into the third period. Merullo and Kevin Murphy both got credit for the assists.
The Scarlet Knight pulled their goalie in the last minute of the game and Zelikman scored with 38-seconds left assisted by James Doran.
“Josh has been playing well for us lately,” said Giuliotti, about the sophomore forward who finished the game with three points.
North Andover outshot the Hornets on goal, 25-24, as Day made 25 saves to post his fourth shutout of the year.
Friday afternoon at 5, the Hornets visit the Graf Rink to take on host Newburyport.
On Jan. 25, the Hornets go to Haverhill High School to face Pentucket. Face-off is at 5 pm for that contest.
