Published in the February 18, 2016 edition

PAT ON THE BACK. NRHS hockey dad Dan Driscoll appears to be patting his son Mike on the back (and perhaps he is) after the senior captain scored a goal in last week's win over Pentucket. Mike stands next to his brother Patrick. No. 9 for the Hornets is Brian Cotter and No. 3 is Tyler Calos. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)

PAT ON THE BACK. NRHS hockey dad Dan Driscoll appears to be patting his son Mike on the back (and perhaps he is) after the senior captain scored a goal in last week’s win over Pentucket. Mike stands next to his brother Patrick. No. 9 for the Hornets is Brian Cotter and No. 3 is Tyler Calos. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On Tuesday afternoon, the North Reading High boys hockey team was shutout by Lowell Catholic, 2–0, in the championship game of the Jeff Hayes Memorial Tournament at Gallo Arena in Buzzards Bay down on Cape Cod.

With the defeat, the Hornets record fell to 11–4–3 overall.

“They are a pretty good team with solid players,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti, about the Division 3 Crusaders.

After a scoreless first period, the Crusaders scored in the second.

With 1:20 left in the game, Giuliotti pulled goalie Nick Ponte for the extra attacker but the Crusaders scored on the empty net with 7 seconds left to close the door.

Both teams had 18 shots on goal as Ponte made 16 stops.

In the first round game on Presidents’ Day, the Hornets blanked Oliver Ames by a final of 7–0.

“That was a complete three period effort,” stated Giuliotti.

Leading, 2–0, heading into the third, the Hornets erupted for five third period goals. Justin Bruzzese led the way as the senior recorded his first-career hat trick. Pat Driscoll scored twice while Mike Driscoll had a goal and two assists. Tyler Calos had the other tally.

The Hornets outshot the Tigers on net, 30–20, as Ponte recorded his seventh shutout of the year.

On Feb. 10, the Hornets shutout visiting Lynnfield, 2–0, at Merrimack College.

“It was our Senior Night so it was good for them, especially going against our rivals,” said Giuliotti, as North Reading swept the season series over the Pioneers.

Calos led the way with two goals while Matt Correiri had the other one. North Reading scored once in the first period and twice more in the third.

Jarred Valade had two assists while the Driscoll brothers each had one assist.

Ponte had 20 stops in that game.

The Hornets finished at 8–2–2 in the Cape Ann League with that win to place second behind Newburyport.

This Saturday night at 6:50, North Reading goes to the Kasabuski Rink to take on Saugus. They wrap up the regular season on Feb. 24 as they take on host Beverly at Endicott College.

That game will start at 7 pm.

The Division 2 state tournament will start the week after.