Coaches vs. Cancer game is Feb. 10 at Kasabuski

Published in the February 8, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

HAVERHILL — Last Saturday afternoon, the North Reading High hockey team was blanked 4-0 by host Masconomet at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. The Chieftains won the first meeting 5-1 back on Jan. 10th as they were able to complete the season sweep.

“We started off slow and were never able to recover,” said Hornets head coach John Giuliotti. “They have a good team and you can’t do that against a team like that.”

KEVIN MURPHY tees up a wicked slap shot from the blue line at Kasabuski. Murphy scored two goals during North Reading’s 3-1 victory over Amesbury last Wednesday. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

Masco scored one in the first period and once more in the second. In the third, they had two goals with the final tally coming on the empty net as Giuliotti pulled goalie Justin DiPlatzi with over two minutes left.

The chieftains outshot North Reading on goal, 33-19, as DiPlatzi made 29 saves.

With that defeat, the Hornets record dipped to 6-7-1 overall and 4-5-1 in the Cape Ann League. Masco meanwhile improved to 7-4-2 overall and 5-3-2 in the CAL. 

The loss snapped a four-game unbeaten streak.

Sweep Amesbury

On Wednesday, Jan. 31, the Hornets beat guest Amesbury, 3-1 at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. North Reading completed the season sweep over the Indians, who they beat 4-1 on Jan. 6 in the first meeting.

“We came out of the gates really strong,” said Giuliotti, as his squad led 3-0 after the first period.

At the 6:59 mark of the first, Kevin Murphy scored unassisted. Billy McCann made it 2-0 with 3:25 left in the period assisted by Murphy and Josh Zelikman.

With 44 seconds left, Murphy lit the lamp again assisted by Owen Maxwell and Ryan Fabrizio.

“Kevin has been a great player for us all season,” said Giuliotti, about the senior captain. “He is a real leader for us on and off the ice.”

The Indians’ lone goal came in the second period.

North Reading outshot Amesbury on goal, 28-17, as Hornets goalie Jacob Ancri made 16 saves.

This Saturday afternoon at 5:40, the Hornets host Triton. It is the team’s Cancer Awareness Game. Triton won the first matchup, 5-2, on Jan. 20.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13 the Hornets welcome Lynnfield at 7:10 p.m. The Pioneers won the first meeting 1-0 back on Dec. 30.