SOPHOMORE DEFENSEMAN James Doran scored his first goal of the season in North Reading’s 3–2 victory over Gloucester recently. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — It was a tough day for the North Reading High hockey team last Saturday afternoon as they were edged by host Newburyport, 6-5, at Graf Rink. What made the loss heartbreaking was that the Hornets led, 5-4, with less than two minutes left in the game.
However, the Clippers tied the game on the power play with 1:20 remaining and got the game-winning goal with only 20-seconds left.
“It was a difficult loss for us,” admitted Hornets head coach John Giuliotti, afterwards. “They are a tough team, especially at home.”
North Reading trailed, 2–1, after the first period and, 4–3, after the second. They then scored back–to–back goals to take the lead before the host came back.
Mike Driscoll, Sean McGrail, Pat Driscoll, Jared Potter and Griffin Paine each scored once for the Hornets. The Driscoll brothers both had one assist as well.
The Hornets outshot the Clippers on, 26-17, on net. Hornet goalie Nick Ponte (6-5) made 11 stops.
With the defeat, North Reading’s record fell to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Cape Ann League.
The news was much better on Jan. 7 as the Hornets shutout guest Triton, 4-0, at Burbank Arena in Reading.
“It was a solid all-around effort,” recalled Giuliotti.
The Hornets led, 1–0, after the first and, 2–0, after the second.
Chris Onanian led the attack with a pair of goals while the Driscoll brothers each scored once. Ponte made 17 saves to record his first shutout of the year. North Reading, meanwhile, had 23 shots on goal.
The next game for the Hornets will be on Saturday as they host Pentucket at 4 p.m. at Burbank. On Martin Luther King Day, the Hornets host Beverly in a non–league game. That contest will start at 11:30 a.m.
