THE NRHS boys’ hockey team (3-1) has outscored opponents 19-3 during their current three-game winning streak. (NRHS Athletics Photo)

 

By DAN ZIMMERMAN

BEVERLY — If there was any lingering skepticism about the season ahead following the North Reading shutout defeat to Danvers in the season-opener, the Hornets have long since put to rest any doubts that this hockey team is the genuine article.

In the last three games, North Reading has crushed opponents, reeling off 19-goals compared to only 3 allowed. In Division 2 Men’s hockey, only Norwood comes close with 15-goals scored in an equal number of games played, according to current statistics for the fifty D2 teams listed.

Most recently, North Reading handily defeated Hamilton-Wenham, 6-2, to improve to 3-1 overall. Prior to the decisive win on Saturday night at the Raymond Bourque Arena, the Hornets had victimized Matignon, 6-1, and Pentucket, 7-0. Certainly, an offensive-minded program but head coach Brian McAuliffe gives the nod to his defense.

“As much as it seems to be about the offense, it really starts with the defensemen,” he said. “I think that will be the constant theme while we have four really capable defensemen back there. We’re creating turnovers in the defensive zone and it’s minimizing the opposition’s time in our zone.”

Then again, McAuliffe agrees that it’s an obvious advantage when you have a blue-liner who can score at will. Facing Hamilton-Wenham, the crafty first-year senior Cole Lopilato, formerly of St. John’s, not only struck for a pair but did so in dramatic fashion, with solo end-to-end rushes.

“That rush was spectacular,” agreed the coach. “That was your textbook coast-to-coast rush and his second score was similar. His speed is unmatched in this league and he has great hands and vision. I think you’ll see a lot of that from him and it’s going to be fun to watch.”

Hamilton-Wenham was first to strike, midway through the first period, on a goal from Will Stidsen. On a feed from Lucas Hunt, Stidsen’s wrister beat Hornet goalie Sam Elliott to the glove side. It was the last time, however, that a General skater would find the back of the net until it no longer mattered.

Answering the call for North Reading was senior Dean Rooney, who picked up the first goal of his career in the previous game and added three more with a natural hat trick against the Generals. Rooney, currently the Hornets scoring leader with 7-points, beat netminder Cooper Miller late in the first to tie it, added a power play goal early in the second to claim a 2-1 lead, and then tacked on an insurance tally moments later.

“Dean is a senior tasked with a third line role and I have huge expectations for him,” said McAuliffe. “It has been a bit of a scoring drought for Dean and then he delivers three goals tonight, including the game-winner. This will certainly inspire him to keep putting the puck in the net.”

“I just skated as fast I could, got down ice, and ripped shots at the net,” said a humble Rooney, when asked about his first career hat trick. “It was an amazing feeling to contribute to this win and it will definitely boost our momentum.”

Midway through the contest and armed with a 3-1 lead, Lopilato collected a loose puck behind his own net, circled, and took off, accelerating toward Miller. Hamilton-Wenham skaters had no chance as he finished on the forehand, earning a huge cheer from the North Reading faithful.

“Actually, I had no problem with playing defense,” said Lopilato, when asked about his assignment. “I thought it was a good move because there was a defensive shortage and I was glad to help out this team.”

Hornet sophomore Duncan Gulino added a goal at the start of the third frame to make it insurmountable at 5-1. Seconds later, Hamilton-Wenham’s Hunt scored to draw closer but as time wound, Lopilato restored order with yet another of his soon-to-be trademark end-to-end scoring rushes.

“It’s great to be getting all of this scoring,” said McAuliffe. “I’m not going to lie – this feels nice. The expectation level is set quite high for this team. We set it at the beginning of the season. Like every year, our goal is to win the league championship and then win a state championship.”

North Reading’s Christmas Eve matchup against Newburyport has been postponed by the Clippers. The Hornets will meet Needham on Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. at Babson College.