Published in the January 5, 2017 edition
BY: Stephen Martellucci
Collin Chase’s power play goal with 11:48 left in the third period lifted the North Reading High boys hockey team to a, 3-2 win over host Gloucester last Friday night at Talbot Rink. With the non-league victory, the Hornets improved to 5-0 overall.
Things did not start off well for the locals as the Fishermen netted two goals in the first period. However, the Hornets answered with a pair of goals in the second period.
Matt Gravellese and Matt Corrieri scored for North Reading with both goals coming off Gloucester turnovers. Both goals were unassisted.
The game-winning goal by Chase was assisted by Corrieri and Jack Schille.
“They have a tough program and we came out slow in the first period,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “I called time out after they scored the second time to settle out players down.”
Giuliotti was pleased with the resilience the team showed despite going down early.
The Fishermen pulled their goalie in the final minute of the game for the extra skater but the Hornets were able to hold on.
North Reading outshot the Fishermen on goal, 24-19 , as Hornets goalie John Day (5-0) made 17 saves.
In the North Division title game of the Kasabuski Christmas Classic Tournament on Dec. 27, the Hornets beat Melrose, 3-1, at Kasabuski Rink. It is the first time the Hornets have won the tournament.
“It’s a great tournament,” said Giuliotti. “We had a tough test with Winthrop in the first game and we had to beat a Division 1 Middlesex League team in the final.”
The power play was the key for the Hornets who scored two power-play goals in the first period. Chase scored 2:50 into the game assisted by John Merullo. The second power-play goal came with 9:20 left in the first as Owen Maxwell scored. Kevin Murphy and Schille assisted on that tally.
“We have been working hard on our power play in practice,” pointed out Giuliotti, who team was 2 for 2 with the man up. “I was very pleased.”
The Red Raiders scored with 2:12 left in the second period to cut the lead to one but Maxwell scored his second goal at the 13:20 mark of the third to close the door. Schille had the assist on that goal as well.
Melrose, also, pulled their goalie in the final minute but were not able to score.
North Reading outshot the Red Raiders on net, 23-22, as Day made 21 stops.
On Jan. 7, the Hornets visit Masconomet at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. That Cape Ann League game will start at 1 pm. The Hornets will then play a non-league game next Wednesday night as they host North Andover at Kasabuski Rink. Face-off for that game is 5 pm.
