Melrose beats Lexington, ties Super 8 champ Arlington

Published December 21, 2018

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider hockey team has come out swinging to start their season an unbeaten 1-0-1 thanks two significant efforts against Middlesex Large teams. Melrose posted a win over Lexington on Dec. 12 and an impressive 1-1 tie against reigning state champ Arlington on  Saturday, Dec. 15 at Kasabuski Rink. With Wilmington (2-0) on tap this Saturday, Melrose hopes to continue their winning streak as they go into the holiday. 

The Red Raiders began their season on Dec. 12 on the road against Lexington and took a convincing 5-2 win. Melrose saw a collection of scoring efforts behind Andy Calvert (2 goals) Joe Lucien (2 goals) and Brendan Fennell (1 goal). Mark Dewling limited the Minutemen to two goals over the night.

Despite showing some initial rust, Melrose played a complete game that had coach Vin Mirasolo pleased. “They did a nice job,” he said after the game. “We were a little sloppy in the beginning, I think maybe playing a little tentatively being on the road on our opener, but they pulled it together for a solid win.” 

THE MELROSE Red Raider hockey team is off to a solid 1-0-1 start to the season. (file photo)

Just days later on Saturday, Dec. 15, Melrose hosted Super 8 Champ Arlington at Kasabuski Rink with a tall order. But they finished with an impressive 1-1 tie. Melrose outshot the Spy Ponders over the night and battled to a scoreless draw at the half before taking a 1-0 lead in the second half, thanks to a goal by Brendan Fennell. In fact, Melrose was one bounce away from a 2-0 win on a near goal late in the game, but Arlington found the net to tie it up, 1-1. It was a tie that Melrose will take and a signal as to the potential this team has this winter.

“Arlington is obviously a good team, but I think we played a solid defensive game,” said Mirasolo. “We stuck to the script and played quality hockey.”

According to the coach, Melrose’s third line was pivotal in the game. “I think Pat Maher, Jake McNeely and Kevin O’Keefe have done a great job and made a difference for us.” He also points to the defensive work of Liam Crovo and Adam Bain. “Their leadership and play have been terrific.” 

But still, there is work to be done, and no nights off on the schedule. On Saturday, Melrose hosts Wilmington at Kasabuski Rink in a pivotal league meet. Each team will be expecting a win to earn some early league bragging rights. Puck drops at 11:45 a.m.