Four Hornets named to CAL All-Star team
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
WOBURN — In a heartbreaking conclusion, North Reading’s promising hockey season met its end at the hands of MIAA Division 4 top-ranked Stoneham. The Spartans were a step quicker and two goals better in the first period, eliminating the Hornets, 3-1, in a tournament quarterfinals matchup contested last Wednesday night.
Despite seven power play opportunities, including a pair of 5-on-3 advantages, North Reading was unable to muster the offensive firepower that led to 13 goals in the first two playoff rounds. Christian Lava accounted for the lone Hornets score, recording his milestone 25th of the season late in the middle frame.
North Reading, the Cape Ann League Baker champion, wrapped-up the 2024-25 campaign with an overall record of 13-9 while Stoneham (17-6 overall), which defeated Worcester and Sandwich in early playoff rounds, fell to eventual state champion Winthrop in the semifinals.
“We couldn’t seem to get any flow going,” said North Reading coach Brian McAuliffe, as he and his staff consoled the distraught Hornets. “Passes weren’t on tape, like they have been over the past two games. We struggled with this type of thing early in the season and I saw some of that again tonight. It’s too bad because we didn’t have a chance to display our capabilities.”
Late in the regular season, North Reading suffered a string of uncharacteristic defeats while a number of players battled a flu outbreak. At times, injuries to key players also undermined the club, particularly in the playoff loss to the Spartans.
“Dylan O’Driscoll was sidelined early on in this game and when I saw him go down, I knew it was going to be a struggle,” said North Reading Coach Brian McAuliffe. “With O’Driscoll out, we had to move (James) Nelson back to defense and essentially, we were playing with just two lines. We have a shallow bench.”
Stoneham reeled off six unanswered penalties through the first two periods but as McAuliffe described it, “we just didn’t have the pop that we’ve had recently.” The Hornets squandered the power play opportunities, including a 45-second 2-man advantage in the first and another late in the second, this 1:25 in duration.
When he wasn’t confined in the box (4 penalties), Michael Taranto was the Spartan’s top scoring threat and proved it with a go-ahead goal at 5:34 of the first period. His linemate, Dylan Krasco, later beat Hornet netminder Charlie Cooper, with a shorthanded goal. Taranto and Krasco combined at the outset of the middle frame to make it 3-0.
Lava’s unassisted goal seconds before the break gave the Hornets new hope for third period possibilities. Skating along the left boards, the premier goal-scorer cut to the slot and fired on the go, beating Stoneham goalie Brendan Cunniff glove side. Unfortunately, when the teams resumed play for the final frame, the Spartans effectively preserved their 2-goal lead. The Hornets, to their detriment, began to file into the penalty box, further limiting opportunities as time marched on.
“We had a tough time hitting the net when we needed it most,” said McAuliffe. “Passes weren’t connecting, passes were bouncing, and we weren’t executing.”
The tough loss won’t diminish an overall terrific season for North Reading. The Hornets finished at 13-9 overall and had plenty of postseason awards.
Senior captain Max Forristall earned CAL Player Of the Year and McAuliffe was named Coach of the Year.
Including Forristall, four Hornets were named CAL First Team All-Stars as Lava and senior captains Duncan Gulino and Tom Gazda also made the list.
North Reading senior departures include Forristall, Gulino, Gazda, Steven DeLisle and Michael Pittore.
“These guys go way back,” said McAuliffe. “I believe they were my first full class post-Covid. I remember watching each of them as freshmen, knowing they were going to be high-caliber players and they certainly did not disappoint. Having a player like Michael Pittore and his family around for four years has been enlightening and a real joy. And then having Steven (DeLisle) come in this year and contribute the way he did, especially in that Wilmington game, was really fun to watch.
“My heart goes out to all of these seniors. Hopefully, their legacy will pay dividends and contribute to future championships.”