CHASE CARNEY, one of two senior captains for the Pioneers this season, scored an overtime game-winner with just over a minute left to lead Lynnfield over Triton 4-3 at McVann-O’Keefe Rink. (File Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — Last winter, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team finished at 6-5-3 as they lost, 2-0, to Newburyport in the Cape Ann League Kinney Division semifinals since there was no state tournament due to the pandemic.

Four seniors from that squad graduated as 10th-year head coach Jon Gardner returned 16 veterans back this season.

The two senior captains are Janssen Sperling (center) and Chase Carney (center). The two senior assistant captains are Patrick Barrett (defenseman) and Aiden Burke (forward). Drew Damiani is the junior assistant captain and he is a defenseman.

Carney and Burke were named to the Cape Ann League All-Star team last year.

In the preseason, the Pioneers faced Melrose and Winchester.

The Pioneers have had a strong start out of the gate in the 2021-2022 campaign going 3-0. Last Saturday afternoon, they won in overtime, 4-3, over guest Triton at McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody.

Carney was the hero in this one scoring the overtime tally with just over a minute left in the overtime session.

After a scoreless opening period, the Vikings scored early in the second. Burke then tied the game and Tyler Scoppetuolo scored to make it 2-1. Both goals were on the power play.

Later on in the second, Damiani lit the lamp to make it 3-1.

However, the Vikings fought back scoring twice in the third to send the game into overtime setting up Carney’s heroics.

Lynnfield goalie, Phineas Mitchener, made 13 saves to go to 2-0.

On Dec. 15, the Pioneers rolled over Amesbury, 6-1, also at home. Lynnfield led, 2-0, after the first and, 4-0, after the second.

Carney led the way on offense with two goals (shorthanded and power play). Single goals were scored by Burke, Scoppetuolo, Damiani, and Tim Sullivan.

The Pioneers outshot the Indians 30-15 as Mitchener made 14 saves.

In the season opener on Dec. 11, the Pioneers won 6-2 over host Rockport at Talbot Rink in Gloucester.

Will Steadmen led the way in this game with a pair of goals. Burke and Damiani each scored on the power play. Joe Raffa and Evan Rocha had the other two goals as Lynnfield scored four times in the third to pull away.

Lynnfield outshot Rockport on net, 25-17, as Pioneer goalie, Evan Fitzemeyer, made 15 saves.

“I am happy to be where we are,” said Gardner, about the 3-0 start. “We have beaten the teams we are supposed to have beat.”

On Dec. 22, the Pioneers will take on host Winthrop at the Larsen Rink with that game starting at 6:10 p.m.

They will then participate in the Castle Island Tournament on Jan. 26 and 27 at the Murphy Rink in South Boston. The first game will be against Medford on the 26th at 10 a.m.

They will then play either Boston Latin or Latin Academy in the consolation or title game on the 27th (time to be determined).