Woburn, MA: In an always competitive Middlesex league matchup, the Winchester Sachems overcame an early two goal deficit early in the game to come away with an important 4-3 win over the Burlington Red Devils at O’Brien rink in Woburn. Sophomore Robert Di Vincenzo started off looking shaky but showed the poise and maturity to pull t together, make some key stops and pick up the win in the net. Senior Joe Lepore scored two goals for the Sachems.
Star junior Ryan O’Halloran was out for the Red Devils but that didn’t stop Burlington from coming out quickly. Junior Jacob Vozikas opened the scoring on the power play 5:53 into the first. Just 13 seconds later, big defenseman Trevor Janis snapped in a shot from the point that seemed to surprise Di Vincenzo. Mitchell Maida, who carried the puck in with speed for the clean zone entry and Cam Costa picked up assists. Burlington held on to the two-goal lead until senior captain and Trinity football recruit Joe Lepore collected a rebound of a Ryan McCarthy shot, held the puck around the goalie and scored as he was falling to get the Sachems on the board with 1:41 left. Mike Drew also picked up an assist on the play. The first would end with the Red Devils up 2-1 over the Sachems after 15 minutes.
Both teams had decent chances early in the second when 4:45 into the second Joe Falso quickly pounced on a loose puck and fired it home to tie the game. Senior captain Mike Drew scored on a pretty deke from McCarthy and Lepore to put Winchester ahead for the first time. Then with 6:27 left, Lepore scored his second, this time on the power play with Sammy Vozella adding an assist. The “two-goal lead” stood little chance in this game, however, as the Red Devils struck back quickly on a Sean Malone goal as he buried an odd man rush with assists to John Condon and Connor Quinlan.
The third saw Winchester and Burlington trade zone time and Burlington was able to get their goalie out with about a minute left but to no avail. What appeared to be headed towards a shootout in the second led to a scoreless third and the Sachems got the big 4-3 win.
Three Stars:
- Joe Lepore (Winchester)
- Mike Drew (Winchester)
- Ryan McCarthy (Winchester)
NZ Notes: For Burlington; we liked a couple of young D. Sophomore Colin Browne has good size and hits to defend while freshman Anthony Andriolo has some size, good feet and saw time late in a close game. Junior LD Spencer Reith has very good mobility, quick first step and reliable hands. Senior D Matt Tyman knows how to avoid the forecheck and gives Burlington experience in key spots. Junior forward John Condon is shifty, slippery and can ride his edges to the net. Senior Joe Barbieri is direct in transition and can fire the puck. Senior Conor Quinlan is smart and steady. Maida can really fly. Tough to have a player like O’Halloran out of the lineup as he is one of the best players in the MIAA. For Winchester; it’s great to see a multi-sport athlete like Lepore have success. He led Winchester to one of their best football seasons in recent memory and his athleticism was evident on the ice. He has good pace and length. Junior Ryan McCarthy has decent speed and some stickhandling skills but must work to make plays at top speed. Has some tools. Joe Falso adds some edge and skill to the lineup and looks to have grown some. Luke Mix and Mike Martignetti stood out on defense and played big minutes. Colin Van Stry is a sophomore 2003 who showed some speed and skill up front in very limited time. Player to watch who may be the best prospect of the bunch.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images