St. Mary’s had little to show for its efforts through the first three weeks of this season. That changed Saturday night as the Spartans shut out Matignon, 3-0, in a Catholic Central Large clash at Stoneham Arena.
The Spartans (2-2-0, 2-4-2) packed all their scoring into a three-minute span of the second period and that was more than enough for sophomore goalie Connor Jennings, who had 16 saves for the shutout. St. Mary’s outshot Matignon (1-1-0, 5-3-0) by a whopping 43-16 margin.
Chris Butler converted a set-up from Jon Powers and Cam Grenham for the game-winning goal at 3:46 of the second period. Jordan Manthorne doubled the lead with an unassisted tally at 6:07 and Alex Ganter, from Dan Donovan closed out the scoring 47 seconds later.
“It was good to get the win. This team has been working very hard all season against some extremely talented teams and tonight their hard work paid off,” said coach Mark Lee. “We had been snake-bitten recently but we worked a lot in practice on getting pucks to the net and looking for rebounds. The forwards did a great job crashing the net.”
Defensively, the Spartans were strong at the blue line and their shorthanded units killed off eight Matignon power plays.
Gloucester 4, Peabody 2
At McVann-O’Keefe Rink, two late goals propelled the Fishermen (1-2-1, 1-4-1) propelled the Fishermen to their first win in NEC North action. Matt Lane broke a 2-2 tie with 1:47 to play and Alex Webb added an empty-netter with nine seconds to play. The Tanners (0-3-1, 1-4-1) got second-period goals from Tyler Gillespie and Reed Foster but were stymied by Gloucester goalie Jesse Glidden (36 saves).
“It was a good high school game. (We) carried the play late and took 16 shots in the third period but Glidden played great,” said Tanners’ coach Mark Leonard. Joe Powers had 21 saves for Peabody.
Winthrop 7, Saugus 3
At Larsen Rink, Saugus raced out to a 3-0 lead but watched the hosts rattle off seven unanswered goals in the second and third periods. The Sachems (1-3-0, 1-5-0) forged ahead on goals from Anthony Lopresti, Chris Sanderson and Anthony Cieri. Mark Ferullo (goal, two assists) and Alex Anzioni (goal, assist) led the comeback for Winthrop (1-1-2, 2-1-3), which also got goals from Zack Mills, Pierce Laberton, Pat Todisco, Jake McKinnon and Chris Paige.
“Give Winthrop credit — they didn’t quit. We are a selfish hockey team right now and that needs to change or it’s going to be a long season,” said Saugus coach Jeff Natalucci.
Swampscott 4, Revere 1
At Cronin Rink, the visiting Big Blue overcame a 36-save performance by Patriots’ goalie Alan Comeau to improve to 3-1-0 in the NEC South (6-1-0). Revere (0-2-1, 0-5-1) remains in search of its first win.
Chris Carman staked the Big Blue to a 1-0 lead with the first of his two goals at 7:52 of the second period. After Swampscott’s Nunzio Morretti and Revere’s John Galatis matched goals 11seconds apart early in the third period, Carman made it 3-1 with his second and Corey Carmody’s unassisted tally sealed the win. Robert Serino had two assists for Swampscott and goalie Trent Gallagher made 12 saves.
Beverly 3, Danvers 0
At Salem State, the undefeated Panthers (4-0-0, 7-0-0) took sole possession of first place in the NEC North. Tim Birarelli turned back 30 shots for the shutout while Andrew Irving had a goal and an assist. Danvers is now 3-1-0 (5-2-1).
Arl. Cath. 7, Fenwick
At McVann-O’Keefe Rink, the Crusaders (0-4-0, 2-7-0) couldn’t match AC. The trio of DJ George (three goals, three assists), Brendan O’Connell (goal, five assists) and Zack Blanche (two goals, three assists) did the damage for the Cougars (1-0-1, 3-1-2).
GIRLS HOCKEY
St.Mary’s 4, Austin Prep 1
At Connery Rink, the Spartans (2-0-0, 3-2-1) posted a solid Catholic Central Large win. St. Mary’s opened a 3-0 lead after one period and was never threatened. Gabby Crugnale sparked the offense with two goals and assist while Alison Butler added a goal and an assist. Kaleigh Finigan’s power play goal completed the scoring in the third period and goalie Lauren Skinnon stopped 15 shots.
Beverly 5, Marblehead 3
At Salem State, Two last-minute goals, both by Nicole Woods (one of three) did the trick for the Panthers.
Brittan Smith scored all three of Marblehead’s goals, Rachel and Halle McKay getting assists.
After two periods, it was 2-1, Beverly, with the Panthers’ Anna O’Neill (2 goals) and Woods scoring around Smith’s first of the day.
But Smith scored her second and third goals in the third period and, at the 11:32 mark, the Magicians led, 3-2. but Beverly exploded with three in the final minute and a half. O’Neill tied it at 13:25 and Woods scored two, 20 seconds apart, in the final minute.
Sabrina Doughman played well for Marblehead, stopping 20 shots. Ami Thompson had 10 saves for Beverly.
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In other girls games, Wilmington routed Bishop Fenwick, 7-0, while Cambridge rolled past Peabody, 8-1.
