Pioneers (7-2-1) still control first-place in CAL

Published in the January 17, 2018 edition

LYNNFIELD GOALIE Aidan Kelly stares down a shot against Peabody. Kelly has only allowed four goals in his last four games. Also pictured, the Mack brothers, Dan (2) and Joe (12) defend the slot. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

PEABODY — Last Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High hockey team tied guest Triton, 2-2, at McVann-O’Keefe Rink. With that result, the Pioneers record went to 7-2-1 overall and 3-1-1 in the Cape Ann League.

Joe Mack scored the game-tying tally with .2 seconds left in the game on a 6-on-3 as the Pioneers were able to steal a point. Will Garofoli and George DeRoche got credit for the assists.

After a scoreless first period, the Vikings scored 1:48 into the second period.

Lynnfield tied it 3:43 into the third as DeRoche scored assisted by Robert Brandano and Tyler Murphy.

PIONEER FORWARDS Jack Hammersley (15) and George DeRoche (10) celebrate a goal against Peabody. DeRoche had a goal and an assist during the Pioneers 2-2 tie against Triton on Saturday. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

Triton then took advantage of a pair of penalties scoring on a 5-on-3 power play with 3:12 left in the game.

With a little over a minute left, head coach Jon Gardner pulled goalie Aidan Kelly for the extra attacker. Triton then committed a pair of penalties in the final minute to give Lynnfield a three-man advantage.

“We came out flat early and then started to take over in the second period,” said Gardner.

The Pioneers outshot the Vikings on net, 26-24, as Kelly made 22 saves.

Clipped by Newburyport, 3-1

On Wednesday, Jan. 10, in a game for first place in the CAL, the Pioneers fell to visiting Newburyport, 3-1.

“It was a really good effort by us,” said Gardner. “Their last goal came on the empty net.”

The Clippers scored 2:58 into the first period and they made it 2-0, 3:01 into the second.

With 8:38 left in the second, Jaret Simpson scored on the power play assisted by Mack and Cooper Marengi.

Kelly was then pulled with a little over a minute left in the game and the Clippers closed the door with an empty-net goal with .27 seconds left.

“We were not able to capitalize on the power play enough,” said Gardner.

Lynnfield outshot Newburyport on goal, 28-15, as Kelly had 12 saves.

This Saturday at noon, the Pioneers will play their fifth home game in a row as they welcome Masconomet to McVann-O’Keefe.