THE 2021-22 NRHS boys’ hockey team stuck together through a terrific season including a 3-1 state tournament victory over Triton on Saturday. Pictured, the Hornets huddle before their Sweet 16 game against Nashoba at the New England Sports Center on Tuesday night. The Wolves were victorious 6-3. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
MARLBORO — Despite a valiant struggle, the North Reading hockey team was dealt a season-ending 6-3 defeat by the Nashoba Valley Wolves in the MIAA Tournament round of 16.
Several days prior in the tournament preliminary round, the Hornets fought off a stubborn Triton club, 3-1, to advance. Midway through the first period, Luke Baker fired home his first goal of the season to claim a 1-0 lead.
“Our new line has been clicking,” said Baker, who recently paired with brothers Dean and Brendan Rooney. “On the goal, I just got the puck off the forecheck, turned and put it in the net.”
Of note, the Vikings were held shotless in the first period, an achievement which speaks volumes about the stingy Hornet defense.
Cole Lopilato and Andrew Daley added tallies a minute apart in the second to stretch the lead to 3-0.
“That goal started in the offensive zone,” said Lopilato, describing what proved to be the game-winner. “It was a great pass from Tommy Gazda which led to an odd-man rush. I’m very grateful for that and others like it. Those are moments I’ll never forget.”
“We have a very special group and we saw the fruits of their labor tonight,” said North Reading coach Brian McAuliffe, who was pleased that the MIAA selected Burbank Arena in Reading as the venue.
Moving to the New England Sports Center in Marlboro on Tuesday, the combatants traded goals in the first frame but after the intermission, Nashoba Valley reeled off four unanswered over the next two frames to build what proved to be an insurmountable 4-1 lead. The Hornets knocked in a pair in the third period but never really threatened.
Throughout the season, the Hornets were oftentimes guilty of slow starts and this game was no exception. The Wolves were aggressive from the outset, containing the puck for prolonged intervals, and testing Hornet starting goalie Blake McMeniman. The Wolves effort yielded a go-ahead goal with 2:58 left in the first, from Billy Johns.
Down, but certainly not out at this early juncture, Dean Rooney buried his 10th of the year with 10 seconds left in the period. Nick Albano and Baker picked up helpers on the game-tying goal.
Unfortunately, the Wolves uncorked their ample firepower with a pair of bookend goals in the second, one each at the start and finish and added two more in the third, four minutes apart. Nashoba Valley had abundant speed and capitalized on the Hornets deep forecheck with odd-man breakouts and breakaways.
With 6:49 remaining in the game, senior blue-liner Matt Ryan wrapped up a career year with his 10th, on the man advantage. Assists were provided by the Hornets top-scorers, Andrew Daley (18-goals, 12-assists) and Lopilato (10-goals, 13-assists).
Trailing by three, McAuliffe lifted McMeniman with 5:45 left in exchange for an extra attacker. The strategy, as if often does, resulted in an empty-netter for the opposition. McMeniman returned but a short time later, was substituted by senior Samuel Elliott, so he could wrap up a stellar career on the ice.
In the waning minutes, Duncan Gulino combined with Max Forristall and Baker to beat Nashoba Valley goalie Jack Peterson for the final Hornets’ goal of the season.
North Reading wrapped up the 2021-22 campaign with a 15-5-2 overall mark.
“These are the speeches that you always dread giving,” said McAuliffe, moments after emerging from a very somber locker room. “You’d much prefer a year-ending victory speech. I told the kids they had a lot to be proud of, including the things they’ve done off the ice to show their great character. They played hard and left it all on the ice. As a team, they created a special bond and I hope they maintain that for the rest of their lives.”
This story wouldn’t be complete without a word or two to describe the North Reading faithful. Week after week, game after game, the Hornets’ supporting cast of family, friends, and classmates would turn out in force. Whether it was five degrees or a 50-mile drive, they made their voices heard in ice rinks all over Middlesex County and beyond. Often, the home-based spectators were outnumbered by the North Reading crowd. In a touching moment, a large number of devotees waited to give the players a much-deserved round of applause as they filed into the locker room for the final time.
Departing seniors include Nicholas Albano, Joseph Collins, Andrew Daley, Samuel Elliott, Cole Lopilato, Andrew Peppe, Landon Phillips, Dean Rooney, Matthew Ryan, and Daniel Ancri.