PEABODY — You never want a night to end with a loss, but for the Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading girls hockey team, some things are bigger than the final score.
PLNR was defeated by still-unbeaten Winthrop (12-0) 3-2 at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody on Wednesday. Despite the loss, it was the first time a team has scored more than one goal against Winthrop all season, something PLNR coach Michelle Roach mentioned postgame.
“That’s a huge testament to this team [PLNR] and the things that they can do,” Roach said. “I think there’s more positive here than negative.”
Winthrop coach Butch Martucci said he knew it was “going to be a war,” and was happy his group escaped enemy territory with the win – even if it took until the final seconds.
“We love to be part of those hockey games,” Martucci said. “It’s not easy, but we love being part of it.”
Not easy, indeed. Winthrop scored two goals in the first four minutes (captains Emma Holmes and Mia Norris), but PLNR answered. Shirley Whitmore fired from the slot and the puck just barely rolled past the goal line to cut the lead in half (2-1).
Fast forward to the 6:30 mark of the first, and PLNR’s Hannah Gromko made it a brand new game (2-2), eluding a Viking before scoring top-right on Winthrop goalie Riley Towse.
“We talked about our response and recovery, and we showcased that,” Roach said. “I’m really proud of the way they kept fighting.”
The first period ended 2-2, but Winthrop struck first in the second – ultimately, the game-winning goal. Hannah Parker didn’t have much of an angle, but sniped a shot top-right that beat PLNR goalie Alyse Mutti.
“We came out strong, and I was hoping that it was going to last, but obviously Peabody does not wilt and they come right back,” Martucci said. “They answered the bell, and we had to do the same.”
Consider that bell answered, but not without a scare. In the third period, a few members of PLNR thought they tied the game as Penny Spack whacked the puck on the goal line. But in the end, the score remained 3-2 in a controversial situation.
“I’d really like that goal back that crossed over, right?” Roach said. “That was a 3-3 game right there.”
PLNR’s forechecking was effective in the third, something Roach adjusted heading into the period, but time ran out on the home team. Despite the result, Roach said it’s hard not to be happy with her team’s effort.
“I think this is fantastic for development, and I think the future is bright for the program,” Roach said.
As for the Vikings, they’ve conquered another rink and completed the season-sweep of PLNR. Martucci said the matchup “has become a rivalry the past few years,” but has a lot of respect for Roach and her program.
“I’ve known Michelle for a while,” Martucci said. “We kind of have a mutual respect for one another.”
PLNR takes on Shawsheen-Bedford on Saturday at Janas Memorial Rink with puck-drop set for
11 a.m.
