Warriors blank North Andover, Malden Catholic freshmen

Published in the January 29, 2016 edition.

SAUGUS — The Wakefield Memorial High JV boys’ hockey team didn’t let up a goal against North Andover and Malden Catholic and, not surprisingly, won both contests.

The Warriors played against North Andover at Hockeytown winning the game, 3-0.

During the first period Nolan Collins shot the puck at the goal and Dan Guarino battled for the rebound and scored the first goal for the Warriors.

During the second period Dan Cataldo scored the second goal for the Warriors.

In the final minutes of the game Sam Veerman scored a solid goal close to the blue line erupting cheers from the Wakefield spectators.

Goalie Nick Porter led the team to the shutout along with defensemen Nolan Collins and Ryan Chambers.

Prior to the North Andover win, the WMHS JV boys’ hockey team played against the Malden Catholic freshman team in Malden’s home rink.

Both teams worked hard to keep control of the puck as each team fought for the puck, took a shot on the goal and the opposing team took control of the rebound.

Ian Macdonald and Mike Ruane played great on defense and Tyler Gilson and John Knowles took shots on the goal. This steady battle continued through first period as MC steadily changed its four lines.

Halfway through second period Ruane scored a solid goal from the point releasing cheers from the Wakefield spectators. At the end of second period Wakefield remained in the lead 1-0.

The third period began like a gladiator match in the coliseum. Both teams bravely battled and the crowd was screaming for blood. The period remained intense with timeouts called, goalies pulled and some mothers chewed their nails to the bone. At the end of third period the score remained 1-0, another triumph for the Warriors.

Coach Mike O’Brien stated, “It was a great team effort today. Malden Catholic is one of the premier programs in the state. Our players worked hard and were rewarded for it. Justin Harding led the way in net and Michael Ruane scored the game-winner.”