Boys’ beat Triton, edged by Masco

Published in the February 14, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

HAVERHILL — Last Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team was nipped by host Masconomet, 4-3, at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. With that defeat, the Pioneers record fell to 10-4-1 overall and 6-3-1 (third place) in the Cape Ann League.

The Chieftains, who were able to split the season series, scored just 24 seconds into the game. With 6:46 left in the first, Kyle Nekoroski tied it assisted by Will Garofoli and Myles McKay.

Masco then scored the lone tally of the second period on the power play with 4:27 left.

COOPER MARENGI (11) celebrated three times during Lynnfield’s 3-2 win over Triton on Feb. 8. Twice after his two goals in the 2nd, and once at the end when the win officially clinched a playoff spot for the Pioneers. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

In the third, they made it 3-1 with 2:25 left, scoring on a 2-on-1 break.

Head coach Jon Gardner then pulled goalie Aidan Kelly for the extra attacker with a little under two minutes left. With 1:07 remaining, Rob Brandano scored assisted by George DeRoche.

The Pioneers then pulled Kelly again a few moments after the ensuing face-off but they couldn’t tie the game.

“We came out flat,” admitted Gardner. “From the second period on, I felt like we carried the play.”

The Pioneers outshot the Chieftains on goal, 23-21, as Kelley made 18 stops.

Beat Triton, 3-2 

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the Pioneers qualified for the Division 2 state tournament as they edged host Triton, 3-2, at Graf Rink in Newburyport. The game was delayed one day due to the snow.

The Vikings struck first scoring 1:15 into the game.

With 5:42 left in the second period, captain Cooper Marengi tied it on the power play assisted by DeRoche and Joey Mack. Just 52 seconds later, on the power play, Marengi lit the lamp again. DeRoche and Mack both assisted.

Triton tied the game on the power play with 13:28 left in the third but Jaret Simpson was the hero scoring the game-winner with 11:54 remaining on the power play. Mack and DeRoche assisted.

Triton outshot the Pioneers on net, 27-22, as Kelly made 25 saves.

“Our special teams were good but Aidan was tremendous,” stated Gardner.

Lynnfield went 1-0-1 against the Vikings this season.

This Saturday afternoon is the Pioneers Senior Day as they welcome Westwood to McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. Face-off is at noon and, before the game, the six Pioneer 12th-graders will be honored.

Next Tuesday at noon, they host Pentucket in their final CAL game of the season during school vacation week. They then face host Gloucester at 7 p.m. at Talbot Rink the next night.