THE MELROSE High boy’s hockey team honored their seniors on Senior Night last Saturday. Pictured from left: Joey Zarella, Tom Waden, Pat Cotter, Jason Pino, Brendan Morris and Joey O’Keefe.

Melrose fight back to a draw against Marblehead

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

SAUGUS—The Melrose High boy’s hockey team had the crowd going when they hosted Marblehead at the Kasabuski Arena in Saugus on Sat. Jan. 29 and overcame a 0-2 deficit to skate to a final 2-2 draw after an overtime period.

It was all the more special as Melrose was honoring their seniors that evening. They honored upperclassmen Brendan Morris, capt. Joey O’Keefe, capt. Jason Pino, asst. capt. Pat Cotter, capt. Joseph Zarella and Tom Waden.

“I really can’t stop saying what great individuals they are,” said Melrose coach Joe Ciccarello. “Off the ice they are equally as impressive. I’m proud of the way they carry themselves in school, on the ice, in the locker room, and in the community.”

Marblehead came into the game as a competitive team and is currently ranked 15th in D2. Sure enough Melrose was down 0-2 early and then clawed back with a goal from Brendan Doyle then one from senior capt. Jason Pino with a few minutes left in game.

“I’m really proud of their resolve,” said Melrose head coach Joe Ciccarello. “Especially since we have been falling behind in a few games early and didn’t come back. Marblehead has speed and can score.”

At the net, Melrose goalie Matthew Fuccione held down the fort the entire game. Says his coach, “He really settled down and played well and didn’t let the early goals bother him. He had many difficult saves during the game.”

“Our strength is our speed and conditioning. I believe we finally got a jump on them and were able to control the puck more. But we have to work on consistency. We must start off strong.”

At press time Melrose is poised for a playoff run. They are power ranked #28 with all teams under #33 able to qualify for a playoff run at the end of the season.

Coach Ciccarello contends that’s part of the plan. “Getting all the pieces in place and focusing on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses are critical. Preparing for March (tourney), that’s our main goal.”

One thing is for sure, the home fan support was crucial and no doubt helped fuel the Senior Night comeback.

Says the coach, “It was so great to see such a great crowd Saturday night and all the youth hockey players with their jerseys on. Kyle Blossom is doing a great job getting them there and getting them excited.”

Melrose travels to Stoneham Arena on Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. where they look to take another victory over the Spartans.