Quinn McCarthy’s equalizer ties SJP, 3-3

Published January 25, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

WOBURN—The Melrose Red Raider hockey team punched their ticket to another post season on Monday, when they competed at the Catholic Conference/Middlesex Challenge at Woburn’s O’Brien Rink. The event pits elite Catholic schools against the toughest public schools in MA. Melrose faced historically tough St. John’s Prep, last year’s Super 8 entrant. The result for the Red Raiders (8-0-5) was a satisfying one, as the two teams battled to a 3-3 tie, thanks to Melrose’s Quinn McCarthy who hit the equalizer on a breakaway with just over 4:00 left in regulation.

The victory officially punched Melrose’s ticket to playoffs, giving them 21 points towards qualification. Given the success of their season it’s reasonable to conclude that the Red Raiders are expecting a deep playoff run. 

IT’S TOURNEY time for the Melrose Red Raider hockey team, who qualified with a win over Belmont and a 3-3 tie with St. John’s Prep. Pictured is Red Raider Kevin O’Keefe. (Donna Larsson photo)

Melrose got on board first thanks to junior Andrew Calvert, who scored past Eagle goalkeeper Jake Essensa, on assists by Ryan Morris and Kevin O’Keefe, at 11:58 to give Melrose a 1-0 lead. SJP responded when Jack Riley tied it up, 1-1, just a few minutes later.

Melrose sophomore Brendan Fennell (1 goal, 1 assist) scored unassisted to help Melrose take decisive 2-1 lead with 3:46 left in the first. But Eagle Ryan Webb scored with 4:21 left in the second to tie it p, 2-2. 

As the third period started, Melrose goalie Mark Dewling admirably warded off shots at the net. The game remained at a draw until Josiah Brown gave St. John’s Prep a 3-2 lead with six minutes to go. Just over a minute later, Melrose’s Quinn McCarthy launched a beautiful breakaway and buried the puck past the glove of Essensa, causing Red Raider celebration.

The tie keeps Melrose unbeaten this season, and comes on the heel of Melrose’s  4-1 win over Belmont on Saturday, Jan 19 at Kasabuski Arena in Saugus. Melrose goals were courtesy of Brendan Fennell, Cam Marks, Jake McNeely and Andrew Calvert.

There are a lot more games to play before Melrose thinks playoffs. That includes a big showdown against Reading on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. at Burbank Arena. 

Middlesex Freedom League Standings

               League Overall

Melrose    5-0-3  8-0-5 

Burlington 4-2-2  5-6-2 

Stoneham 4-3-0  6-4-0 

Wakefield  2-5-1  3-5-2 

Wilmington 2-6-0 4-6-0