NR (6-7-3) needs 5 points in final four games to qualify

Published in the February 15, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

SAUGUS — The North Reading High boys’ hockey team tied visiting Lynnfield, 5-5, on Tuesday night at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. With that tie, the Hornets record went to 6-7-3 overall and 4-5-3 in the Cape Ann League. The Hornets went 0-1-1 against the Pioneers this season.

It was the final league game of the year for the Hornets.

SENIOR CO-CAPTAIN Owen Maxwell beat Lynnfield goalie Aidan Kelly on this shot in the 1st period on Tuesday night at Kasabuski. Maxwell scored his 2nd goal with just 21 seconds left in the game to tie the Pioneers, 5-5. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

Owen Maxwell got the game-tying tally with only 21 seconds left in the game, scoring his second goal of the night with the extra skater. The other North Reading goals were scored by Kevin Murphy, Patrick Scanlon and Josh Zelikman.

With the tie, North Reading now needs to get at least five points in its final four games in order to qualify for the Division 2 state tournament.

The Hornets trailed, 5-3, going into the third period. Lynnfield led, 2-1, after the first period and led, 4-1, at one point in the second.

It was the second tie in a row for the team as they tied Trion, 3-3, also at home last Saturday night. The Hornets finished 0-1-1 against the Vikings this year.

Zelikman, Maxwell and Dylan Babcock had the three North Reading goals in that game.

The next game for North Reading will take place on Friday night at 6:20 as they welcome Matignon. The team will then take its annual trip to Cape Cod to compete in the Jeff Hayes Memorial Tournament at Gallo Ice Arena in Buzzards Bay.

On President’s Day, head coach John Giuliotti’s squad will take on Oliver Ames at 4 pm. They will then either play Sandwich or Lowell Catholic in the consolation or title game the next day. The consolation game will start at 1:30 while the title game will be at 4 p.m.