Trailing 2-0 through two periods, the Swampscott boys hockey team staged a classic third period rally, netting three unanswered goals for a comeback win against Saugus on Saturday evening at Salem State.
“We were down most of the game, but were able to come up with a huge third period against a very hard-working team,” said Swampscott coach Gino Faia. “This was a great win for us.”
Saugus (1-6-1) got goals in the first two periods from Anthony Cieri and Steve Kay, respectively, before the Big Blue came out red-hot in the final stanza.
Swampscott’s Nunzio Morretti got his team within one with about 10 minutes to go, assisted by Noah Maercklein. Patrick Burkett (from Chris Carman) evened things with his first career goal with five minutes to play before Morretti got the game-winner with about three minutes to play.
Maercklein and Trevor Massey assisted.
“As big as each of those goals were, I thought the turning point was killing off a 6-on-3 power play late in the game,” explained Faia. “If they score there, it’s a whole different game.”
With the win, the Big Blue improve to 8-1 on the season. They play next Wednesday at home against East Longmeadow.
Peabody 3, Lynn 0
At Connery Rink, the host Jets couldn’t solve Tanners goalie Joe Powers in a hard-fought shutout loss.
Peabody (2-4-2) scored once in each of the three periods.
“”Our effort was there, but Peabody played a very solid game and right now is a team who is better than their record shows,” said Lynn coach Joe Conlon.
Lynn (5-3) next plays Tuesday at home against Latin Academy.
Coyle & Cassidy 2, St. Mary’s 1
At Raynham, the Spartans scored first before allowing three unanswered goals in the loss. Shawn MacBurnie scored just 40 seconds into the first period, but that would be it, as the Spartans would fail to capitalize on several good chances. St. Mary’s (3-5-2) outshot C&C 25-13 in the game and held an 11-3 advantage in the second period but couldn’t convert. The Spartans next play on Wednesday at Archbishop Williams.
Marblehead 2, Winthrop 1
At Winthrop, the visiting Magicians pulled out a huge win thanks in part to some lineup changes late in the game. Down 1-0 after two periods, the Magicians’ (7-2) newly formed line of Trip Franzese (two goals), Joe Newall (two assists), and Matt Koopman (assist) combined to take the lead. Winthrop got 32 saves out of Pat Feeley while Marblehead’s goaltender, Miles Barry, finished with 14 saves.
“Winthrop is a very good defensive team; they play hard the whole game and make it very difficult to get scoring opportunities,” said Marblehead coach Bob Jackson. “Our kids kept working and played a very good, aggressive third period, which led to the win.”
Gloucester 7, Revere 3
At Revere, the visiting Fishermen (2-5-1) pulled away in the third period after leading just 4-2 entering the period. Gloucester’s Alex Webb exploded for a four-goal night while Eddie Mahoney, Peter Mondello, and Steve Tetteni each tallied for the Fishermen. The host Patriots (0-7-1) hung tough through two, getting goals from Cam Whalen, Brandon Mastropietro, and Marco Mazarella.
North Reading 3, Lynnfield 0
At Reading, the visiting Pioneers fell to 0-8-1 on the year, despite a good effort on the road. Lynnfield goalie Joe Bassi played admirably in the loss, with each goal coming on a “Grade-A chance,” as explained by Pioneers coach Jon Gardner.
“Nothing was on him tonight, he made 25-plus saves, Joe was great tonight,” Gardner said.
St. John’s 4, Catholic Memorial 1
At Walter Brown Arena, the Eagles scored a huge victory over their rival, scoring four unanswered goals after falling behind 1-0 in the first on a shorthanded goal from CM’s Liam Doughman, his 21st of the season. The Prep (6-2) responded in the second with two goals from Mark Azarian and Justin Longo, respectively. Andrew Brandano scored 11 seconds into the third before Tyler Bird hit an empty-netter to ice things. The Eagles were outshot 30-19 but got a big game in net from Billy Price (29 saves).
Beverly 10, Salem 2
At Salem State, the visiting Panthers improved to a perfect 9-0 on the season with a dominant victory over the Witches (1-7-2).
GIRLS HOCKEY
M’head 7, Winthrop/Lynn 4
At Larsen Rink, Brittany Smith scored four times for Marblehead, and also had one assist. Rachel McKay added two goals and two assists. Brittany Lydon had one goal and two assists. Sabrina Doughman made 28 saves.
Kara Donati had a goal and two assists for Winthrop/Lynn.
