Winchester at Reading. Last Day of 2021
Reading, MA – The Winchester Red and Black traveled north to take on the Reading Rockets in an early season tilt but simultaneously, an important Middlesex League matchup between two 3-0 teams. Sophomore 2006 Max Lowenberg got the start in net for Winchester and senior Franklin Zessis for Reading. The play was slightly skewed in favor of Reading in the first and both goalies made some solid saves. Rocket Jake Donovan had a hard rip early that tested Lowenberg and sophomore David Strong was stuffed on a rebound chance in the slot with under four minutes to go by Zessis. There were no penalties called but plenty of physicality between the two rivals.
The second period saw more of the same but Winchester started to assert more pressure on Reading. The Red and Black played faster in transition and incorporated their defense into the offensive attack. Reading still had quality chances but Winchester was on their toes and on the attack.
The third period featured two Winchester penalties and two Winchester goals. Reading went on the power play just twelve seconds into the third but could not capitalize. They had quality zone time but were not able to pop one home. In fact, Winchester went 2v1 just as the penalty ended and forced Zessis to make a great stop. Finally, with 10:06 left, senior Winchester defenseman Liam Doherty jumped into the zone and created some space below the goal line. He made a perfect pass to sophomore forward Danny Collins who quickly popped the puck into the top of the net. It was 1-0 Red and Black. Reading senior defender Zach Micciche started a rush from his end and was tripped with 7:52 left. Again, Winchester killed the penalty off with aggressive play and growing confidence. They played with no fear the rest of the way and it was clear all the pressure was on Reading. The Rockets had some good looks and pulled their goalie. After a timeout by Reading, Winchester’s Michael Cashell won the faceoff in his end which sent Kevin Bertocci and Max Tong away on a 2v1. Bertocci fed the puck across to Tong who ripped the ENG into the middle of the cage. 2-0 Red and Black and that was the final score.
Three Stars
- G Max Lowenberg (Winchester)
- D Liam Doherty (Winchester)
- F Max Tong (Winchester)
