By DAN TOMASELLO

GLOUCESTER — The hockey team earned an impressive victory over Gloucester last week.

The Pioneers defeated the Fishermen 6-2 on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Lynnfield controlled the neutral zone and won the majority of the game’s face-offs, which kept the Fishermen’s offense at bay.

Gloucester took an early 1-0 lead 10:44 into the first period. Assistant captain Dan O’Leary tied the game at one 3:49 into the first period after he received a pass from junior Rob LoConte. O’Leary gave the Pioneers a 2-1 lead with 1:28 remaining in the first period after scoring a short-handed goal. Senior Nick Davis was credited with the assist.

O’Leary scored his third goal of the contest 5:31 into the second period, assisted by junior Jack Ganter. Gloucester scored its second goal at the end of the second period.

Lynnfield rattled off three more goals during the third period. Junior Derek Crampe gave the Pioneers a decisive 4-2 lead after he was set up by Ganter and senior captain Cam Rondeau 4:29 into the third period.

LoConte gave the Pioneers a 5-3 lead after he found the back of the net with 5:59 remaining in the third period. Freshman Cooper Marengi was credited with the assist.

O’Leary scored his fourth and final goal after receiving a pass from goalie David Langone. O’Leary lugged the puck the length of the ice and found the back of the net with 13.9 seconds remaining in the game, giving the Pioneers a 6-2 victory.

Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner was pleased with his squad’s performance and effort against the Fishermen.

“This was a must win for us,” said Gardner. “We shuffled the lines around and put three of our speedier players, O’Leary, LoConte and Johnny Percoskie together, which led to five of our six goals. It was nice to close out a game.”

Gardner also praised Langone and the locals’ defense as well.

“David Langone was huge for us and the defense in front of him played solid,” said Gardner.

Upcoming games

The Pioneers host Newburyport on Wednesday, Jan. 28, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The locals host Triton on Saturday, Jan. 31, beginning at noon.

Lynnfield hosts Masconomet on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 8:15 p.m. The Pioneers travel to Pentucket-Georgetown on Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 4 p.m.