Arlington
* With Sunday’s 3-0 whitewash of No. 7 Hingham in the fifth annual Catherine Malatesta Memorial Game between the schools, No. 1 Arlington all but assured a Top Six slot when the Division 1A Tournament rankings are determined on Feb. 20. The Spy Ponders stretched their unbeaten streak to 14 games (11-0-3) and haven’t lost since Dec. 23 to Pope Francis. Sophomore Reid Malatesta broke a scoreless tie in the second period of the game played in memory of his sister, who played hockey for Arlington and passed away at age 16 from sarcoma cancer in 2015. Senior John Hourican made it 2-0 later in the period and senior Anthony Messuri essentially sealed the deal with his goal in the first minute of the third period. Senior Nathan Brennan (16 saves) had the shutout.
Saturday Games:
* No. 9 St. John’s Prep raced out to a 4-0 lead after one period and rolled over Newburyport, 10-2, in the annual Derek Hines Memorial Game between the schools. Junior Jake DiNapoli notched a hat trick for the Eagles and seven other players scored, including senior Jack Caruso, who potted his first career goal. Senior goalie Kyle Westfall played the first two periods and turned back 13 shots. 1st Lt. Derek Hines, a former SJP and U.S. Military Academy hockey captain, hailed from Newburyport. He was killed in action in Baylough, Afghanistan on Sept. 1, 2005. His dad Steve Hines scored the first goal in Newburyport HS hockey history in the Clippers’ inaugural 1973-74 campaign.
* Sophomore Sean McWhinnie scored the lone goal and sophomore Luc Gagnon notched the shutout as #11 Natick dealt #4 Framingham its first Bay State League Carey Division loss, 1-0.
St. Mary’s
* Freshman Brady Bullock and junior Max Giardina scored two goals apiece as No. 12 St. Mary’s shut out Lowell Catholic, 7-0, in Catholic Central Large action. Senior Owen Maguire, sophomore Eric Toto and junior Colby Magliozzi added one each.
Woburn
* In Middlesex League Liberty Division play, Woburn sustained its post-season hopes by riding senior goalie Kevin Burkett’s massive 44-save performance past No. 18 Reading, 5-1. Junior captains Lance Anderson and Jonathan Surrette both had a goal and an assist for the Tanners. Juniors Colin Savill and JJ Librizzo and freshman Brett Stone also scored.
* No. 19 Waltham handled Marshfield, 5-2, in non-league action. Senior Brian McNamara (ENG) scored twice for the Hawks. Juniors DJ Caisse (PPG), Matt O’Toole and Dylan Fogg contributed a goal apiece.
Waltham
* In the MVC/DCL One, Andover closed in on the league title with a 5-3 win against No. 20 Central Catholic. Juniors Steve Ingram (PPG) and Tim Kobelski (PPG) both scored twice for the Golden Warriors. Senior Evan Arpin also found the net.
Falmouth
* No. 17 Falmouth captured the first-ever Cape & Islands Atlantic Division championship with its 4-2 win against Barnstable. Senior Jake McKenzie struck for two goals for the Clippers, including the game-winner in the third period. Senior Nick Champani (PPG) and junior Stone Devlin also scored for Falmouth. Dillon Huntington and Chris Cordeiro connected in the second period for Barnstable.
* Bridgewater-Raynham continued its second-half roll with a 3-1 non-league win against Walpole. Juniors Sam
Braintree
Hoffses, Ryan Concannon and Eddie Perry scored and junior Brandon Sinclair had 23 saves for the Trojans, who are unbeaten in nine (8-0-1).
* No. 14 Duxbury topped Scituate, 3-1, to remain atop the Patriot League Keenan Division table as junior Billy Mrowka ensured the Green Dragons’ 13 seniors enjoyed Senior Night with a hat trick.
* No. 13 Braintree annexed the Bay State Conference Herget Division title, pulling away from Needham, 4-1, on third period goals by senior Chris Sarno (2) and junior Brady Leslie.
(Featured Image photo courtesy of @BEACHSKATES)
