Published in the March 2, 2017 edition

By Stephen Martellucci

BUZZARDS BAY – On President’s Day evening, the North Reading High boys hockey team rolled over Sandwich, 7-2, in the first game of the Jeff Hayes Memorial Tournament at the Gallo Arena in Buzzard’s Bay. With the victory, the Hornets improved to 15-1-3 overall.

The game was tied at one after the first period and the Hornets led, 3-1, after the second. In the third, North Reading erupted for four goals while allowing one.

“We wore them down late,” explained North Reading head coach John Giuliotti, whose team has been in the tournament since the start. “We have been coming down to this tournament for six years and they do a fantastic job of running it.”

Kevin Murphy led the offense with two goals while single goals were scored by Patrick Scanlon, John Stringer, Owen Maxwell, Ryan Bratton and Matt Corrieri.

The Hornets outshot the Blue Knights on goal, 40-15, as goalie John Day made 13 saves to go to 15-1-3 in net.

Last Friday night, the Hornets beat Saugus at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus (North Reading was the designated home team as Kasabuski is also Saugus’ home rink).

“It was a good non-league win against a team that is also going to the tournament,” said Giuliotti.

The Sachems scored first late in the first period but late back-to-back goals by John Merullo and Tyler Collins made it 2-1 going into the second period. Matt Gravallese scored the final goal in the second period.

North Reading outshot the Sachems on net, 24-21, as Day made 20 saves.

On Feb. 15th, the Hornets tied host Lynnfield, 1-1, at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. With that tie, the Hornets finished the Cape Ann League with a final record 9-0-3 as they went 1-0-1 against the Pioneers this year.

“They are fighting for a playoff spot so they were a hungry team,” said Giuliotti.

After a scoreless first period, the Hornets struck first in the second on a goal by Dylan Babcock.

The Pioneers tied it in the third.

The Hornets outshot the Pioneers on goal, 25-21, as Day made 20 saves.

This Saturday, North Reading will find out who they will opening against in the Division 2 North state tournament that starts next week.