JOE RAFFA had a goal and an assist during Lynnfield’s 7-0 victory over Rockport/Manchester-Essex on Jan. 6. (LHS Boys’ Hockey Photo)
After press time: Lynnfield defeats Westwood 7–0 (Jan. 15)
Lynnfield Falls to Newburyport 3–1 (Jan. 13)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
GLOUCESTER — The Lynnfield High boys’ hockey team snapped its four-game losing streak on Jan. 6 as they pounded host Rockport-Manchester-Essex 7-0 at the Talbot Rink in Gloucester.
With that shutout win, the Pioneers improved to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the Cape Ann League.
Owen Considine had a night to remember as he had a career-high four goals. His linemates, Will Norton and Jarret Scoppettuolo, both had four assists. Tim Sullivan had two goals and one assist while Joe Raffa had one goal and one assist.
“All of our lines played well,” said Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “This win came at a good time and I was happy with the way we took care of business.”
The Pioneers stormed out of the gates scoring five times in the first period. The two other goals came in the second as all seven goals were even strength.
Pioneer goalie Mike Marenghi (2-3) had 14 saves for his second shutout of the year. Lynnfield had 34 shots on net.
The Vikings, meanwhile fell to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in the CAL.
“They graduated several of their players from last year and have a new coach this season,” explained Gardner.
On Dec. 30, the Pioneers lost to host Gloucester, 6-2, also at the Talbot Rink in a non-league game.
Things started off well as Jack Carpenter scored the game’s first goal but the Fishermen scored the next two goals in the opening period to go to the first intermission leading 2-1.
In the second stanza, the wheels fell off as Gloucester netted four goals with two of them coming on the power play.
“We didn’t do a good job of blocking shots on the power play and they ended up going 3 for 5 on the power play overall,” said Gardner.
Tim Sullivan had the Pioneer third-period tally.
Brent Cunningham led the way for the Fishermen offense with a hat trick.
“They are always a difficult team to play against,” said Gardner. “We will get another shot against them next month.”
Marenghi started in net and was pulled after the fifth goal as Angelo Covino played the rest of the game in net allowing one goal.
Lynnfield actually out-shot the Fishermen 27-18.
“When it was five-on-five we outplayed them,” said Gardner.
On Jan. 13 at noon, the Pioneers host Newburyport at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody. They then take on host Westwood in a non-league game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. That game will take place at the Canton Ice House and will start at 2 p.m.