THE RED Raider hockey team fell to a tough Belmont team, 3-0, on Dec. 18. Pictured on face off is Colin Fahey. (Jennifer Gentile photo)

 

Belmont, Woburn tough to open against

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

STONEHAM—The Melrose High boy’s hockey team has started their season on a challenging note, facing illness and injury that have helped thwart victory in their opening contests against Woburn and Belmont on Dec. 15 and Dec. 19. Melrose fell to Woburn 5-2 to start the season on Dec. 15 and fought to a more competitive 3-0 loss to Belmont on Saturday. At press time, Melrose was scheduled to travel to Reading on Wednesday (post-deadline) looking to earn their first win.

As they embark on their season, Melrose welcomes new faces on the team recently added to the roster, including Quinn Haggerty, Justin D’Antona, Jackson Burdick, Brendan Doyle, Michael Fuccione, Brendan Morris, Declan Baker, Griffin Brady and Matthew Fuccione. This year and will be led by captains TJ Sullivan and Jamie Haggerty.

The Red Raiders were very competitive in their game against Belmont, who recently shut out BC High, 2-0 on Dec. 13. Thus, the Red Raiders held their own against a tough Marauder squad. The two teams battled to a draw in most of the first period, before a Belmont goal with less than three minutes to go. The two teams were deadlocked in the second with Melrose goalie Joey Smith holding his own and scoring chances by Melrose coming up empty. Belmont would score their second goal just minutes before the end of the second. Both teams couldn’t score on power plays in the final period with Melrose defense showing strength, and a penalty shot awarded to Belmont was held down by Melrose’s Smith at the net. By the final minutes of the third, Melrose gave up their last goal for the ultimate 3-0 loss.

Melrose did find the net, however, in their season opener against Woburn on Dec. 15 in a 5-2 loss, thanks to Melrose’s TJ Sullivan, who had two goals for the Red Raiders. He was assisted by Tyler Muse and Brendan Doyle.

Melrose will look to rebound against Reading on Wednesday, and a week later on Dec. 29 will host Beverly at the Stoneham Arena at 2:00 p.m.