Boys Hockey: St. Mary’s late goal ties up AC

The St. Mary?s boy?s hockey team played to a 4-4 tie with Arlington Catholic in its season-opener Saturday night at Connery Rink, displaying many of the characteristics that Coach Mark Lee has consistently instilled in past years.
Three separate two-goal deficits couldn?t shake the Spartans? focus, as they trailed 2-0 and 3-1 in the first period before falling behind, 4-2, late in the middle session.
?We showed a lot of character in storming back after getting off to a slow start,” said Lee, who thought his team had stolen a win with three second remaining in regulation after a shot from the blue line missed just wide.
While the second point would have been nice, Lee was sufficiently satisfied with the result.
?AC is one of the top programs in the state, so for our guys to come out and stick with such a big, physical team while maintaining its discipline left me extremely pleased.”
The visiting Cougars opened the scoring 50 seconds into the game on a goal from Ryan Smith before a solo effort from Andrew Somerville made it 2-0 at the 8:44 mark.
St. Mary?s responded 43 seconds later on a goal from sophomore Eric Pedro, assisted by Brady McLaughlin.
Arlington?s Andrew McLean increased the lead at 7:40 before Spartan sophomore Mike Zampanti scored off a feed from his brother Marc with 1:08 remaining.
In the second period, the teams traded goals nine seconds apart, the first from Somerville before senior Shawn MacBurnie responded at 4:15 with help from Pedro and sophomore Dante Maribito.
The latter scored with six minutes remaining in regulation, assisted by MacBurnie and Mike Zampanti, to earn the draw.
Senior goaltender Ryan Borders finished with 26 saves for St. Mary?s, which plays BC High Wednesday at Connery (5).
Gloucester 5, Lynn 2
At Connery Rink, the Jets surrendered goals in the opening minute of both the first and second periods en route to a season opening setback.
Liam Lyons scored three goals for the Fishermen, who got scores from Sal Costanzo and Eddie Mahoney (assist) as well. Brenden Poliskey was credited with two assists.
Senior Corey Wojewodzic and sophomore Jon Kosmas scored for Lynn, which is back in action Wednesday at Revere.
Swampscott 5, Rockport 0
At Rockett Arena, the Big Blue opened its season with a bang, getting the game-winning goal from sophomore Mike Johnson 52 seconds into the opening period.
Swampscott got tallies from sophomores Ryan Donnelly, Louis Olivieri and Kevin Lombard as well as senior Ryan Cresta.
In his first high school start, freshman goaltender, Dan Johnson, made 13 saves for the Big Blue who play at Gloucester on Wednesday (6).
Marblehead 6, Saugus 2
At Rockett Arena, the Magicians trailed 2-1 early in the second period before exploding for five unanswered goals including the game-winner from Braden Haley, who finished with a hat trick. Tim Kalinowski, Colin Daly and James McCarthy also tallied in the win.
Mike Sarnacchiaro and Brendan Ronan scored for the Sachems who return to Salem State on Wednesday to play Beverly (7:15).
Winthrop 3, Danvers 0
At Larsen Rink, the Vikings got the game-winner from Pat Todisco, shorthanded, in the second period before Jonathan Griffiths tallied twice in the third period. Winthrop travels to Mansfield for a non-league game tonight (7:50).
Fenwick 15, Spellman 0
At McVann/O?Keefe Rink, the Crusaders scored seven goals in the first period including three from Rob Murphy who shared the hat-trick spotlight with Greg McGunigle.
Six Fenwick players record multiple-point efforts in the victory.
It was Spellman?s first-ever varsity hockey game.
Salem 3, Revere 2
At Rockett Arena, the Witches got goals from Mike Gillis and Jake Quarles as well as the game-winner from Derek Zwiercan with the hosts playing shorthanded.Richie Polignone tallied twice in the second period for the Patriots, who look to rebound Wednesday, at home against the Lynn Jets.