Hockey: Spartans squeeze past Springfield Cathedral, 3-2

St. Mary’s likely squelched any lingering doubt regarding whether it merits Div. 1A tournament status later this month as it turned back Springfield Cathedral Saturday night at Connery Rink, 3-2.Brendan Mageary’s second goal of the game broke a 2-all tie with 2:23 to play as the Spartans (16-1-2) remained unbeaten in 18 games since a season-opening loss to Malden Catholic. It was a damaging loss for Cathedral (8-5-5) as it attempts to build its 1A resume down the stretch.”This was as good of a game and team effort as we have played all year. From the goaltending to the defensemen to the forwards, every player gave their best effort and it showed,” said coach Mark Lee.The visitors broke a scoreless tie on Frank Crinella’s unassisted strike at 12:23 of the second period, but Jarrod Fitzpatrick drew the Spartans even with just three seconds left in the stanza, converting Connor Parent’s set-up. Mageary gave St. Mary’s its first lead at 3:30 of the final period but the Panthers pulled even on Cullin Geary’s goal with 7:51 to play. St. Mary’s sophomore goalie Bailey MacBurnie continued to shine with 17 saves and Jordan Manthorne had two assists.Lynn 5, Swampscott 4At Lynn, the Jets (7-8-2, 4-8-1) held on for a season-sustaining victory in this shootout. Ryan McDonald’s goal at 1:44 of the third period was the game-winner. It was a damaging defeat for the Big Blue (5-6-2, 8-8-3), who now must tie or defeat Marblehead in their final game next Saturday to qualify for Division 3 North Sectional play.Click here for a photo gallery.”This was just a great high school hockey game. We did enough to hold on at the end. It was a great effort by both teams,” said Lynn coach Joe Conlon.Tony Uva (two goals, two assists) and Kyle Devin (two goals) paced the Jets’ attack while goalie Mike Gately had 29 saves.Chris Dandreo (goal, two assists), Gino Cresta (goal, assist), Griffin Hunt and Cory Carmody all scored for Swampscott.Marblehead 7, Salem 4At Salem State, the Magicians (7-50, 7-8-1) broke open a tie game with four unanswered second-period goals in a span of 2:52 to regain sole possession of first place in the NEC South. The first line of Ty Bates (two goals, assist), Tom Koopman (goal, two assists) and Ian Maag (three assists) combined with Joe Newall (two goals) to drive the attack. Austin Haley and Cam Rowe also solved Salem goalie Brett Harring (44 saves). Freshman Adam Ngo scored two third-period goals for the Witches (1-16-0).Winthrop 5, Peabody 2At Peabody, the Vikings (10-5-2, 9-2-2) kept pace at the top of the NEC North race. The Tanners (6-9-1, 4-7-1) grabbed a 2-0 lead on goals by seniors Mike Chiappini and Eric Costa before the Vikings’ offense got into gear. Matt Todisco (two goals) put Winthrop on the board at 10:24 of the second period, kicking off a finishing spurt of five unanswered tallies. Chris Page (two goals) and Chris LeBlanc also scored in support of goalie Steven Waites (19 saves). Junior goalie Joe Powers was in net for the Tanners.Bp. Fenwick 2, Arlington Catholic 2At Peabody, the Crusaders (2-12-2, 1-8-1) earned a satisfying point as Mike Cipriani scored the equalizer with one second remaining and the goalie out in favor of an extra attacker. Mike Napolitano scored in the first period for the Crusaders, who likely knocked AC of the Div. 1A tournament watch list. Brendan O’Connell and Mike Snow both had a goal and assist each for the Cougars (8-5-5).Beverly 6, Gloucester 3At Salem State, the Panthers (11-5-1, 8-4-0) won their seventh straight behind senior captain Brendan Mitchell’s hat trick. Gloucester (6-7-5, 4-5-4) must take three of four points in its final two games against NEC North co-leaders Danvers and Winthrop to qualify for post-season play.John Festa had three assists with Greg Meininger dishing out two helpers.No. Andover 5, Lynnfield 3At McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody, the Pioneers (13-3-1, 9-3-1 Cape Ann League) let one get away as the Scarlet Knights scored three third-period goals to break a 2-2 ti