Published in the January 20, 2016 edition
FRESHMAN Jagger Benson (11) scored two goals during the Pioneers’ 6-1 victory over Amesbury Jan. 16. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ hockey team defeated Amesbury and came up short against North Reading last week.
The Pioneers (6-2-2) defeated Amesbury 6-1 on Jan. 16.
Sophomore Cooper Marengi scored the Pioneers’ first goal at the 11:53 mark of the first period, assisted by senior captain Dan O’Leary and junior Johnny Percoskie.
Freshman Jagger Benson scored a goal with 3:29 remaining into the first period after being set up by junior Matt Collins. O’Leary gave the Pioneers a 3-0 lead after burying a shot past Amesbury’s goalie with 58 seconds remaining in the first. Sophomore Joey Mack was credited with the assist.
Senior Jack Ganter scored a goal halfway through the second period, assisted by freshman George DeRoche. The Pioneers had a 4-0 lead at the end of the second period.
Benson scored a power play goal 1:21 into the third period after being set up by DeRoche and O’Leary. Ganter scored the locals’ final goal 4:07 into the third period, assisted by assistant captain Greg Miles.
Amesbury scored its only goal on the power play at the 9:06 mark of the third period.
Lynnfield head coach Jon Gardner praised his squad’s performance against Amesbury.
“We were stressing to our guys after the North Reading game that they needed to give our most convincing effort of the season,” said Gardner. “Our guys delivered. They absolutely dominated Amesbury.”
Junior Joe Breslow was given a chance to play in net for the first time on the varsity team this season.
Stung by Hornets
The Pioneers began the week falling 7-1 to North Reading Jan. 13.
Senior Billy Cole scored the first goal of the game 4:01 into the first period. Collins and assistant captain Derek Crampe were credited with the assist.
After Cole scored the Pioneers’ only goal of the contest, the Hornets opened the flood gates. North Reading scored two power play goals during the first period, giving the Hornets a 2-1 lead after the first.
North Reading scored four goals during the second period, including three power play goals. The Hornets scored its seventh and final goal 42 seconds into the third period.
“It was just a perfect storm,” said Gardner. “It wasn’t our night.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers travel to Newburyport on Saturday, Jan. 23, beginning at noon. The Clippers defeated the locals 4-1 last month.
“It’s a good test for us,” said Gardner. “We want to get a win against a quality opponent.”
