Published in the January 26, 2017 edition
NORTH READING had their first tie 1-1 vs Newburyport Friday night. First line mates score the only point of the game. Josh Zelikman assisted Matt Corrieri for the tying goal. (Courtesy Photo/Frank Brachanow)
BY STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NEWBURYPORT – Last Friday night, the North Reading High boys hockey team tied host Newburyport, 1-1, at the Graf Rink. With that tie, the Hornets record went to 9-0-1 overall and 4-0-1 in the Cape Ann League.
“They are a tough team, especially at home,” said North Reading head coach John Giuliotti. “We didn’t play as sharp as we normally do.”
Both goals came in the second period. The Clippers scored first with 3:39 remaining in the second period as Dylan Rogers score on a scrum in front of the Hornets net. Cole Spence and Jacob-Grossi-Hogg both were credited with the assists.
With just over a minute left in the second, North Reading tied it as Matt Corrieri put home a rebound off a shot by Josh Zelikman.
The Hornets outshot the Clippers on goal, 23-22, as John Day made 21 saves to go to 9-0-1 in net.
This Saturday afternoon at 1, the Hornets travel to the Valley Forum in Haverhill to take on host Amesbury. North Reading is looking for the season sweep over the Indians at they won the first meeting, 5-0, on Dec. 19 at the Janas Rink in Lowell.
On Jan. 24th, the Hornets beat guest Triton, 5-3, at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. With the victory, the Hornets improved to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in the Cape Ann League.
“They are a tough team to play,” admitted Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “They also have a new coach, but the special teams were the difference.”
North Reading had two power-play goals while the Vikings did not have any.
Corrieri scored 5:08 into the first period assisted by Zelikman and Colin Chase. However, the Vikings scored the next two goals to take the lead lighting the lamp at the 6:42 and 7:41 marks of the first period.
With 5:23 remaining in the first, Pat Scanlon tied the game on the power play assisted by Owen Maxwell.
Zeilkman gave the Hornets in the lead in the second period assisted by Corrieri and Matt Gravallese scored on the power play unassisted to make it 4-2 heading into the third period.
Triton then cut the lead to two with a little over five minutes left in the game. They then pulled their goalie for the extra skater in the final minute but Corrieri scored on the empty net with 40-seconds left.
The Hornets were outshot on goal, 20-19, as Day made 17 saves.
On Jan. 11, also at home, the Hornets shutout visiting North Andover, 3-0, for a non-league victory.
“They have a solid team for it was a great non-league win for us,” said Giuliotti, about the Scarlet Knights. “Again, the special teams came through.”
The Hornets had two power-plays goals along with an empty-netter.
After a scoreless first period, John Merullo scored at the 7:01 mark of the second period assisted by Zelikman and Tyler Collins. Zelikman then made it 2-0 just 42-seconds into the third period. Merullo and Kevin Murphy both got credit for the assists.
The Scarlet Knights pulled their goalie in the last minute of the game and Zelikman scored with 38-seconds left assisted by James Doran.
“Josh has been playing well for us lately,” said Giuliotti, about the sophomore forward who finished the game with three points.
North Andover outshot the Hornets on goal, 25-24, as Day made 25 saves to post his fourth shutout of the year.
