Published in the December 21, 2016 edition
SOPHOMORE George DeRoche (10) scored two goals during the Pioneers’ 5-1 win over Amesbury Dec. 14. (Dan Tomasello Photo File Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ hockey team remains undefeated after the Pioneers won both of its games last week.
The Pioneers (3-0) began last week cruising past Amesbury 5-1 Dec. 14.
Sophomore George DeRoche scored the locals’ first goal on a power play 1:30 into the first period.
DeRoche scored another power play goal half way through the first period, giving the Pioneers an early 2-0 lead.
Captain Cooper Marengi scored the Pioneers’ third goal after finding the back of the net with two minutes remaining in the first.
Freshman John Simonetti scored the Pioneers’ fourth goal. Freshman Wil Rinaldi scored the locals’ fifth goal on the power play.
“It was nice we had two freshmen score their first varsity goals,” said Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner.
Senior forward Johnny Percoskie tallied three assists during the game.
Senior Dave Langone recorded 10 saves in net.
Gardner commended captain Joey Mack’s performance against Amesbury.
“Joey has been really solid for us,” said Gardner.
Gardner said he was pleased with the locals’ performance against Amesbury.
“I give our guys a lot of credit,” said Gardner. “We scored 1:30 into the game and had three power play goals, which is huge.”
Defeats Hamilton-Wenham
The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Hamilton-Wenham 7-1 Dec. 17.
Joey Mack scored the Pioneers’ first goal 8:18 into the first period.
Percoskie scored the locals’ second goal at the 6:38 mark of the first period, assisted by Marengi and Joey Mack.
Hamilton-Wenham scored a power play goal with 1:31 remaining in the first period.
Simonetti gave the Pioneers a 3-1 lead 49 seconds into the second period. Marengi and junior Tyler Murphy were credited with the assists.
Freshman Danny Mack scored the locals’ fourth goal 7:57 into the second period, assisted by senior Jeff Olsen and sophomore Chris Flannery. The Pioneers had a 4-1 lead at the end of the second.
Senior Ryan Freitas scored the Pioneers’ fifth goal at the 8:40 mark of the third period. Junior Kyle Nekoroski and senior Tom Powers were credited with the assists.
Senior Christian D’Agnostino gave the locals a 6-1 lead eight seconds after Freitas scored. Nekoroski and Powers were credited with the assists.
Junior Zachary Rothwell scored the Pioneers’ seventh goal with 1:51 remaining in the game. Freshman Ron Fuccillo and Simonetti had the assists.
Senior Joe Breslow and sophomore Aidan Kelly split time in net against the Generals.
“They played well,” said Gardner. “They did what they needed to do to help us secure the win.”
Gardner said the Pioneers played very well against Hamilton-Wenham.
“We were pleased to get the game in because of the snow,” said Gardner. “Historically, we have been slow starters in December. We changed our preseason, which has really helped us out. We are pleased the guys have the kept the momentum going.”
