Published January 20, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
SAUGUS — On Jan. 13, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team blanked host North Reading 5-0 at the Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. That was the Pioneers’ first win of the winter as they evened their record at 1-1-1.
“This was a must-win against our rival,” explained Lynnfield head coach Jon Gardner. “I was very pleased with the way we played.”
After a scoreless first period, the Pioneers exploded for four goals in the second stanza to take control.
Senior co-captain Alex Buonopane got the ball rolling scoring on the power play just 35 seconds into the period. Drew Damiani assisted. A little over a minute later, Tyler Scoppettuolo made it 2-0 assisted by Buonopane and Chase Carney.
The third goal was also with the man advantage as sophomore Nate Alves found the back of the Hornet net. Aidan Burke and co-captain Brenden Henehan both were credited with the assists.
Henehan then had the fourth goal with 3:42 remaining assisted by Burke.
Burke later got his third point of the evening as he scored the final tally with 38 seconds left in the game.
Pioneer freshman goalie Nick Hubbard (1-0-1) picked up his first-ever varsity win with 13 saves as Lynnfield outshot the Hornets 39-13.
The schedule will be very busy for the team the next several days. On Wednesday (Jan. 20), they go to the Talbot Rink in Gloucester to take on host Rockport at 5 p.m.
Lynnfield then visits Newburyport at the Graf Rink at 4 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday, the team travels to Essex Tech in Danvers to face Hamilton-Wenham. Face-off for that game is at 7:30 p.m.
It will be the second meeting between the Pioneers and Generals as they tied 1-1 in the season opener on Jan. 2.
