Melrose at Burlington
Burlington, MA-The Red Raiders of Melrose headed down to Burlington for a prime-time matchup at the Ice Palace with the Burlington Red Devils. Burlington is currently ranked number one in our MIAA poll.
The first period was evenly played as Burlington pushed early followed by a very good last seven minutes by Melrose. The Red Devils scores first when junior Jack Jay pumped home a rebound of a hard shot by senior defenseman Trevor Janis. Burlington led 1-0 just 41 seconds in. The big defenseman Janis almost created another assist right after as he fired a shot that was put home but ruled a high stick by the officials. It was close. Melrose seemed to lose their bus legs and started to get pucks in behind the solid Burlington D-Corp. Junior Brendan Fennell led the way with energy, hits and some nice passes. With 4:30 left, Fennel played give and go and put one in an empty net to even the score at 1-1. Mark Aylward and Cameron Marks assisted. Fennel had two more great chances soon after but Burlington junior goalie Joe Trubucco was up to the task. Period ended tied at one with a 12-8 shot advantage to Melrose. Burlington had a late power play that would spill 24 seconds into the second period.
To begin the second, Burlington came out with some pace. They scored 2:18 in as senior Jacob Vozikis pounded a puck home on a scrum to make it 2-1 Burlington. That was the end of the night for Melrose’s starting goalie as senior Joseph Shields went into the pipes. The Red Devils would gain a two-goal advantage on the power play when senior Ryan O’Halloran fed Vozikis in the middle of the box. He made no mistake and used his quick hands to catch and shoot the puck by Shields. The Red Raiders responded quickly with a big goal by junior Quinn McCarthy who was wide open in the slot and buried one courtesy of a pretty pass by Fennell. 3-2 was how the period ended. Melrose outshot Burlington 9-8.
The third was wild one by any standard. 2:44 in, senior Cam Costa hit O’Halloran with a pretty stretch pass to send him on a breakaway. Ryan didn’t make a mistake as he fired it upstairs for a 4-2 Burlington lead. 20 seconds later Jack Jay ripped one in the net from Vozikis and Zack Auble. Burlington looked to be cruising to a win. However, with 9:20 left Charles Haggerty popped one home from Fennell to give Melrose hope. Then senior Cameron Gorman fired a puck on net from the neutral zone that found a way in and close the game to 5-4. A Red Raider comeback looked very possible. Costa, however, put out some of the fire as the Red Devil flew into the zone, by the defenseman and deked backhand to forehand for the nifty unassisted score. Burlington led 6-4 with 3:38 left. It wasn’t over yet as with their goalie pulled, Charles Haggerty tipped home a Cameron Marks shot to make it 6-5 with 54.4 seconds left. Fennell picked up his fourth point with a secondary assist. Melrose got their goalie out again but the game ended with a 6-5 Burlington win. Shots were even and it was a tough loss for Melrose who played well. Burlington extended their Middlesex league lead with the two points.
Three Stars
First: Jacob Vozikis (BHS)
Second: Brendan Fennell (MHS)
Third: Ryan O’Halloran (BHS)
TTPA: Cameron Marks (MHS)
NZ Notes: For Melrose; don’t be surprised if this team goes on a run. They played hard, have one of the best players in high school hockey in Fennell and a supporting cast that’s tough and determined. Fennell is the best player our scout says he has seen this season. He has improved his skating since December and has elite vision. Tough, can rip it and has quick hands to boot. He created chances every time he was on the ice. Not pretty but gets where he wants, when he wants. Joseph O’Keefe is an interesting freshman defenseman. He is not big yet but has fluid feet, pivots well and showed good straight-line speed. Marks was just tough to play against. Always had some snarl when he defended and made some big hits. Just missed a goal late and picked up an assist on their last goal on a nice slap pass. Joseph Lucien is a senior with a long frame and smooth stride. He skated away from the forecheck and sealed off the cycle. Got off checks but must stay off his backhand when he carries up ice. For Burlington; O’Halloran was good but not dominant. He played hard at both ends and still finished with a few points on a “B+” night for him. 2004 Anthony Andriolo is long and talented. The sophomore has a nice stride. His shot is heavy, he is strong, played all situations and has tons of upside. One of the best prospects in Mass HS. Costa is shifty and quick. He scored the prettiest goal of the night that proved to be the game winner. Terrific individual effort. He is very skilled. Trevor Janis is a huge, strong man playing against boys. He kept his gaps tight and has a strong stick. He carried the puck a bit as well but mostly made simple, effective outlets. Zach Auble was a factor tonight. He picked up an assist and played very well in his end. Jack Jay moved well without the puck and can fire the puck. Tough to cover. Vozikis is clever. His hands are quick and first touches were clean. Bot a burner but always moving. He is not a big player but goes to the net front and greasy areas. Straw that stirred the drink tonight.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
