FIRST GOAL. Hornets Chris Onanian (25) and freshman Josh Rameriz, (10) celebrate the first goal of North Reading's season opener at the Burbank Rink as North Reading rolled over Amesbury, 6–1. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)

FIRST GOAL. Hornets Chris Onanian (25) and freshman Josh Rameriz, (10) celebrate the first goal of North Reading’s season opener at the Burbank Rink as North Reading rolled over Amesbury, 6–1. (Stephanie Tannian Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — Last Saturday evening, the North Reading boys’ hockey team was nipped by host Masconomet, 1–0, at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. The lone goal of the game by the Chieftains came in the middle of the second period as Garrett Lafata scored.

“We were shorthanded four kids,” explained Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “They have a strong team but I was proud of our effort.”

The Hornets were outshot on goal, 33–19, as North Reading goalie, Nick Ponte made 32 saves. Greg Knowles made 18 saves to get the shutout.

Ponte was pulled for the extra attacker with 1:22 left in the game but the hosts were able to hold on.

In the season opener on Dec. 17, the Hornets rolled over visiting Amesbury, 6–1, at Burbank Arena in Reading. The Hornets scored once in the first period, three times in the second and twice in the third.

Chris Onanian, Pat Driscoll, Griffin Paine, Nicco Pastore, Matt Correiri and Justin Bruzzese had the six goals for the locals. Paine, Correiri and Pastore each had one assist while Zach Herman led the team in assists with two.

“It was nice to see six different players score,” said Giuliotti, as all six goals were even-strength.

The Hornets outshot the Indians on net, 36–19, as Ponte made 18 stops.

Amesbury’s lone goal came where they were trailing, 5–0.

Next Monday morning at 10, the Hornets will face Peabody in the first round of the Kasabuski Christmas Tournament in Saugus. They will then face either Winthrop or Melrose in the finals or consolation game (time unknown) on Tuesday.