THE MELROSE Red Raider hockey team fought a tough one against Wilmington on Saturday in a 4-3 OT Loss. (Jennifer Gentile photo)
OT goes to Wilmington in 4-3 nail biter
By JENNIFER GENTILE
STONEHAM—It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons, but the Melrose Red Raider hockey team is not lacking for effort as they close out their regular season this weekend against Stoneham.
With just two wins and a tie on the docket, Melrose has experienced the ultimate of rebuilding years this season just a year after clinching the ML Freedom League for the first time in decades. But their last two efforts, though resulting in losses, have been competitive and displayed Melrose’s potential as they prepare for next winter. “Just looking beyond our record, this is a team who has definitely improved over the season,” reports coach Vin Mirasolo. “They’re playing a lot more competitively now then they were in December.”
That was the case against Wilmington, who Melrose battled in a down-to-the wire thriller on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington. Melrose fell to the Wildcats in overtime, 4-3. Wilmington’s Nathan Alberti had all four goals for the Wildcats, while Melrose’s TJ Sullivan scored Melrose’s last two equalizers. The two teams exchanged goals, with Melrose out early, 1-0, courtesy of Red Raider Griffin Brady, who scored his first varsity goal. It was about as competitive an outing as Melrose has had this season, with Sullivan tying things up 3-3 late, but overtime fell the Wildcats way when Alberti hit his fourth goal of the game.
“I can’t say enough about TJ [Sullivan],” says coach Mirasolo after the game. “He’s had his hands in all but 4 of our goals this season—19 goals out of our 23. He’s carried us on his back with 12 goals of his own. He’s played great for us.” Fellow captain Jamie Haggerty has also earned his coach’s respect over the season. “Haggerty works hard and buys into it. He’s been a good leader and good kid.”
While Melrose prevailed over the Wildcats in their last meeting, the close, give-and-take effort easily could have gone either way. Wilmington was able to capitalize on a mistake or two. Says the coach, “We did some good things, yes. We played hard and better than usual, but it only takes a mistake or two to turn the game away from us which is what happened.”
He sings the praises of underclass goalies Joey Smith and Matthew Fuccione. “They have been absolutely fantastic. They’ve kept our games under control, their goal-against average has been low, all the while we’re not putting in a lot of scores to help them on the other end. But, the future is bright with these two on the squad.”
He also points to the top notch play and contributions from seniors Anthony White and Connor O’Leary. “These two bring it every game. They’re a great example of sportsmanship and how to be a great teammate. They are a pleasure to coach.”
Playoffs remain in the mix. Melrose is power ranked #31 in a field of #32 in Div. 2, though that could change as they finish their last two regular season games. Melrose looks to close out the regular season with a finale against arch rival Stoneham, who beat Melrose in their first meeting in January. They finish their regular season against each other on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at Stoneham Arena. Stay tuned.
Middlesex Freedom League Standings
Team Rec. Pts GF GA
Watertown 7-7-1 15 32 27
Stoneham 7-6-0 14 34 35
Wakefield 7-8-0 14 36 32
Burlington 3-9-1 7 19 42
Wilmington 2-11-1 5 18 46
Melrose 1-12-1 3 20 58