Published in the January 18, 2017 edition
Dave Langone tallied 24 saves during the Pioneers’ 2-1 victory over Masconomet Jan. 14. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
HAVERHILL — On Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team nipped host Masconomet, 2-1, at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 5-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Cape Ann League.
The first Pioneers’ goal came with 9:41 remaining in the opening period as Will Garofoli scored, assisted by Jaret Simpson and Tom Powers.
Lynnfield made it 2-0 with 9:38 left in the second period as Garofoli scored again. Powers and Mike Caruso both got assists on that tally.
The Chieftains cut the lead to one with 10:14 left in the game and then pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with just over a minute left.
However, Lynnfield was able to hold on the rest of the way.
The Pioneers outshot the Chieftains, 26-25, on net as Lynnfield goalie David Langone made 24 saves.
“He played unbelievable,” said Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner about the senior net minder. “He was under the weather and injured his leg in the second period, but he stayed in and finished the game.”
Edged by Vikings
On Jan. 11, the Pioneers were edged, 1-0, by host Triton at Graf Rink in Newburyport.
“This was not a strong effort by us,” admitted Gardner, whose squad was dealing with several sick players. “I give Triton credit. They came out with a lot of momentum.”
The Vikings’ goal came in the first period and it held up the rest of the evening.
Langone, who made 27 saves, was pulled with a little more than a minute left in the game for the extra skater but the Pioneers were not able to tie the game.
The Vikings outshot the Pioneers on goal, 28-19.
Upcoming games
This Saturday at noon, the Pioneers welcome Pentucket at McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. Next Wednesday night, Jan. 25, the Pioneers take on host Amesbury back at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. Face-off is at 7:50 p.m.
