SAUGUS — It was a game that resembled more of a three-round boxing match than a hockey match-up, with elbows flying and bodies hitting the boards.
Saugus and Gloucester committed 13 penalties combined, but the Sachems stood tall by the ending buzzer in a 3-0 shutout. Knockout would be an apropos term, as the plays between the two teams got quite physical.
Saugus came in at 0-4, seeking its first win. It was something Sachem head coach Jeff Natalucci hoped to do against a division rival in Gloucester.
“Coming at 0-4, the boys needed some confidence as we approach division play, and I felt they got a real boost here with a win over Gloucester,” Natalucci said.
The victory did not come easy for the Sachems; while they scored in each of the periods (John Prentice in the first, Victor DeMatteo in the second, and Anthony Cieri in the third) and maintained offensive pressure on the Fishermen’s half of the rink throughout the game, penalties were a major issue for Saugus.
The Sachems were responsible for 8 of the 13 penalties between the two teams, including a double penalty in the beginning of the third period that included a misdemeanor on a back check by Nick Straticos. This would put Saugus at a 5-to-3 disadvantage on the ice to start the third period.
Thankfully, the quick reflexes of Sachem goalie David Aiken and Saugus’ ability to kill the power play kept Gloucester from taking advantage of the penalties late in the game. Penalties are something Natalucci noted the team still needs to work on.
“We took some bad, selfish penalties late in the game, but we stayed strong and overcame that adversity,” he said. “Despite that, however, it was our most consistent game of the season, and I hope we can keep that consistency as it goes on.”
