Published in the February 25, 2016 edition
PATRICK DRISCOLL and Jared Valade battle for the puck against their opponent. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last Saturday night, the North Reading High boys’ hockey team blanked host Saugus, 4–0, at Kasabuski Rink. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 12–4–3 overall.
“It was a good non–league win against a tradition deep team,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti.
With 2:22 left in the first period, Brian Cotter scored on the power play assisted by Mike Driscoll. The second goal came in the second period with the Hornets shorthanded as John Merullo found the top corner of the net to make it 2-0 with 5:51 remaining. Matt Correiri assisted on that tally.
A little over three minutes later, Justin Bruzzese scored for the third Hornet goal and, on the next shift, Pat Driscoll found the back of the net to make it 4–0 assisted by Merullo.
Goalie Nick Ponte recorded his eighth shutout of the year with 22 saves as The Hornets had 31 shots on goal.
“Nick has had a great year,” stated Giuliotti.
The Hornets wrapped up the regular season on Feb. 24 as they played host Beverly at Endicott College (results not available at press time).
The team will find out this weekend who they will open up with in the first round of the Division 2 North state tournament. The tournament will begin next week.
