Published January 15, 2020

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

DAN MACK skates away from pressure around his own net. Mack and the defense held strong during a 3-0 shutout over Amesbury on Thursday. The win vaulted the Pioneers to a 2-1-1 league record good for third in the CAL, one point behind Newburyport who Lynnfield plays tonight, 8:15 p.m. at McVann-O’Keefe Rink. (Robin DeBenedictis Photo)

PEABODY — It was an offensive explosion for the Lynnfield High hockey team last Saturday afternoon as they blasted visiting Westwood 11-4 at McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody in non-league action.

With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 6-3-1 overall as they won their third consecutive game.

“It was nice to see us do that,” said Pioneer head coach Jon Gardner. “Westwood is a little down but they are not that bad. We were just able to score five power-play goals.”

This game became a rout early as it was 4-0 after the first period. It was 7-2 after the second.

Sam Pifko led the way with a career-high four goals, with two of them coming on the power play. Brendan Hennehan lit the lamp twice while single goals were scored by John Simonetti, Nate Alves, Phil Berquist, Colin Dennison and Tyler Scoppettuolo.

The Pioneers outshot the Wolverines 34-20 on goal as Lynnfield goalie Jake DeBenedictis made 16 stops to go to 6-3-1 in net.

COLIN DENNISON (3) skates over to the party while Sean Robbins (13) celebrates his goal with Robert Tashjian (10) during Lynnfield’s 3-0 win over Amesbury on Thursday. Dennison assisted on the goal which gave Lynnfield a 1-0 lead in the second period. (Robin DeBenedictis Photo)

On Jan. 9, the Pioneers improved to 2-1-1 in the Cape Ann League as they shut out host Amesbury 3-0 at the Haverhill Valley Forum.

“That was the first game all season that we scored the first goal,” pointed out Gardner.

After a scoreless opening period, the Pioneers scored twice in the second. Sean Robbins scored the first one 6:44 in assisted by Dennison. Freshman Drew Daminani made it 2-0 with Ronnie Fuccillo and Simonetti assisting.

Jackson Hammersley had the final tally early in the third period and that was unassisted.

The Pioneers outshot the Indians on net 32-17 as DeBenedictis recorded his second shutout of the season.

The Pioneers next two games will be at home. On Jan. 15, they welcome Newburyport at 8:15 p.m. They then take on North Reading on Jan. 18 with that contest starting at noon.