RED RAIDER seniors were honored prior to their game against Wakefield on Saturday. Pictured from left: captain TJ Sullivan, captain Jamie Haggerty, Dom Lamentea, Connor O’Leary, Zach Ingalls, Daniel Kress and Anthony White. (Nadia Delsonno photo)
Wakefield game serves as Senior Night
By JENNIFER GENTILE
STONEHAM — The Stoneham Arena served as host to both sets of Senior Night celebrations between rivals Melrose and Wakefield on Saturday, Feb. 5 in a competitive Middlesex League showdown that ended in Wakefield’s favor, 1-0. The Red Raiders were able to celebrate their 7 seniors: captain TJ Sullivan, captain Jamie Haggerty, Dominic Lamentea, Connor O’Leary, Zach Ingalls, Daniel Kress and Anthony White. That group was honored in a pre-game ceremony prior to the game.
It was the second meeting between the teams after Wakefield beat Melrose earlier in the season. The Warriors’ 1-0 win came courtesy of a goal by freshman Nate Brissette in the 2nd period on an assist by junior Bobby Defeo. That was the only score for both teams and would be enough to seal the deal. Wakefield goalie Gabe Brisette was tough in the net (has had four shutouts in his last eight starts) and he had about 18 shots fired at him while his team outshot Melrose, 27-18. But credit to Melrose goalie Joe Smith who more than held his own at the net. The Warriors had a few power play opportunities that Melrose deftly handled. Wakefield outshot Melrose 12-10 in the second period and in the third Melrose goalie Smith handled many shots from the Warriors with six saves before the final seconds ticked off the clock. It was an-always competitive game against two long time rivals. While Melrose is all but out of playoff contention, Wakefield is still in the mix with a record of 7-8.
Previously, Melrose fell to Watertown on Feb. 2. Melrose found the net courtesy of senior captain TJ Sullivan on feeds from Colin Fahey and Justin D’Antona.
There is plenty of hockey left though. Melrose still has four games on the regular season docket. See below.
Wed Feb 9
7:00 PM @ Burlington
Sat Feb 12
12:30 PM @ Wilmington
Wed Feb 16
8:00 PM v Chelmsford
Sat Feb 19
4:00 PM v Stoneham