Published in the December 28, 2016 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
SAUGUS — The boys’ hockey team lost its opening game in the Kasabuski Christmas Classic on Monday.
The Pioneers (3-1) fell 4-1 to Medford in the opening round of the tournament Dec. 26.
The Mustangs scored two power play goals in the first period. Medford scored its first goal 3:24 into the first period. The Mustangs took a 2-0 lead 4:33 into the first.
The Pioneers’ defensive line held the Mustangs scoreless for the remainder of the first period, but Medford still had a 2-0 lead at the end of the first.
Lynnfield controlled the second period. Sophomore George DeRoche scored a power play goal with less than five minutes remaining in the second period. Senior Johnny Percoskie and freshman Wil Rinaldi had the assists.
The Pioneers outplayed Medford in the third, but were still down 2-1. The Mustangs took a 3-1 lead with five minutes remaining in the game.
Lynnfield pulled senior goalie Dave Langone and made a late push. The locals had a chance to cut the Mustangs’ lead to one, but the shot sailed over the net.
Medford scored its final goal, an empty netter, with 44 seconds remaining in the game.
Langone tallied 16 saves in net.
Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner commended the locals’ resiliency against the Mustangs.
“I give our guys a lot of credit for coming back after we spotted Medford two goals during the first period,” said Gardner. “We out played them in the second and third periods. Our guys responded well, which is good because we are a young team. I really like the guys we have in our locker room.”
Gardner said captains Cooper Marengi and Joey Mack were “real solid” against the Mustangs. He also said the locals played an excellent defensive game.
“Our defense as a whole played really well,” said Gardner.
