Published January 22, 2020

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

PEABODY — Last Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High hockey team played visiting North Reading at McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. The game ended in a scoreless tie officially but they did play an overtime session and the Pioneers scored a couple of minutes in to get a Cape Ann League win.

Sam Pifko tipped home a shot by Tyler Scoppettuolo for the victory.

JAKE DeBENEDICTIS recorded two shutouts in a row against Newburyport on Jan. 15 and North Reading on Jan. 18 thanks to some strong saves and good defense from players like the pictured Nathan Alves. The Pioneers haven’t lost a game since Jan. 1. (Robin DeBenedictis Photo)

With that result, the Pioneer record went to 7-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in the Cape Ann League.

“It was a disappointing result,” admitted Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “This is a rivalry game and North Reading gave their best effort but we didn’t.”

Due to injuries and graduation, the Hornets have been a little down the past couple of seasons.

The one thing that Gardner was pleased with is that the penalty kill continues to be strong as North Reading was 0-for-4 on the power play.

“It has been strong for us all season,” said Gardner.

Lynnfield, meanwhile, was 0-for-2 with a man up.

The Hornets outshot the Pioneers on net 29-25 as Pioneer goalie Jake DeBenedictis had his fourth shutout of the year and second in a row..

On Jan. 15, the Pioneers blanked guest Newburyport 5-0.

After a scoreless opening period, the Pioneers scored twice in the second and three times in the third.

John Simonetti had the first tally on the power play 5:22 in assisted by Pifko and Nate Alves.

With 4:15 left, Colin Dennison made it 2-0 assisted by Sean Robbins and Rob Tashjian.

Just 47 seconds into the third, Pifko lit the lamp assisted by Simonetti and Ronnie Fuccillo. Pifko then scored on the power play with 9:57 left assisted by Dan Mack and Fuccillo.

Simonetti then scored his second goal to round out the scoring assisted by Pifko.

Lynnfield outshot the Clippers on net 27-22.

The Pioneers return to action on Jan. 22 as they face host Triton at Graf Rink in Newburyport. Face-off is at 7 p.m.

This Saturday night at 8 p.m., the Pioneers face Masconomet at the Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton. Warrior Arena is where the Bruins practice and Masco is the home team in this special game.

The Pioneers are going for a split of the season series as the Chieftains won the first meeting 2-1 back on Dec. 18.