Melrose makes statement in beating Wakefield, Chelmsford

JACK HICKEY is among those who have helped the Melrose Red Raider hockey team reach 6-2-1 in their season. (Donna Larsson photo)

JACK HICKEY is among those who have helped the Melrose Red Raider hockey team reach 6-2-1 in their season. (Donna Larsson photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The always-energized Melrose-Wakefield rivalry played in full glory on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Kasabuski Arena in Saugus and once again Melrose came up victorious 4-1, their third straight victory over the Warriors in two years. Melrose goalie Tyler Brown posted 21 saves to help preserve the win.

It was a regular old slugfest for the two rivals, who were sent to the penalty box nearly 10 times apiece, in a game that remained scoreless until 8:32 when Red Raider Jack Hickey hit a shot past Warrior goalie Ben Yandell on assists by Zack Mercer and Brian McLaughlin to lift Melrose, 1-0. McLaughlin then took a shot in the second at 4:46 that put Melrose up 2-0. Wakefield finally found the net on a power play when Dave Melanson scored at 6:43 in the second but that was all the Warriors could muster. Red Raider Calvin MacDonald took an assist from senior captain Jack Hickey to make it a 3-1 game and the final damage was caused by Melrose’s Steve Guttadauro, who capitalized on a Ryan Feeney rebound for a 4-1 final score.

Melrose continued that momentum with another win on Monday night at Kasabuski Arena against Chelmsford, a team they’ve faced in post season two years in a row and whom they beat in postseason last year. After a substantial delay at Kasabuski due to poor ice conditions (which required outside help to alleviate), Melrose made up for lost time by steamrolling past the Lions, 3-1. They relied on a collection of goals from their senior captains to edge the Lions, 3-1, first from Brian McLaughlin, then Jack Hickey and Jake Karelas.

At 6-2-1, Melrose is nearly tied at the top with Burlington in the Middlesex Freedom League, which bodes well for their chance to clinch their first league title in many years. The Raiders have also made some movement in polls, including a recent Boston Herald ranking that finds them around 15th based on RPI ratings, considered a source in Super 8 consideration.

Melrose is set to host Lexington (3-4) this Saturday at 5:40 p.m. at Kasabuski Arena and will aim to make it three wins in a row.

Middlesex Freedom League Standings

Melrose 6-2-1

Burlington 5-1-1

Stoneham 4-3-0

Watertown 4-2-2

Wilmington 4-3-2

Wakefield 0-4-1