GLOUCESTER — Fast starts and short shifts are equating to big wins for the Marblehead High boys hockey team.
Six different players had goals as the Headers took care of Medford, 7-2, in the first round of the Cape Ann Savings Bank Tournament at Talbot Rink Thursday night. Captain Kyle Hart had a pair of tallies while linemates Noah Feingold (3 assists) and fellow captain Crew Monaco (goal, 2 assists) also had big nights.
“The effort was really good tonight,” said head coach Mark Marfione of his defending Division 3 state champions. “We had had some longer shifts against Danvers on Monday, so we made it a point of emphasis to cut those down. It resulted in us coming out really strong.”
Captain Leo Burdge, who didn’t see a shot until there was 1:19 left in the opening period, finished with 11 saves in net.
Sophomore second right wing Will Sullivan and freshman third line left wing Hayden Gallo each had a goal and an assist for the Headers, who led 3-0 after one while showcasing their speed, depth, and edge work.
Defenseman Kellen Laramie, a 10th grader, nabbed his first varsity goal, which turned out to be the game-winner.
Junior right wing Avin Rodovsky also scored for Marblehead, with Drew DePhillips, rearguard James MacKenzie, and London McDonald adding assists.
“Laramie’s goal (19 seconds after Hart’s first one) was really nice,” said Marfione. “Our defense have been really active as far as jumping up into the offense and getting shots on net.”
Lamplighters from Gallo, Hart and Laramie shot the Headers out to a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.
Hart’s second of the night made it a four-goal contest before Medford (2-3) responded with tallies from Vincent Castro and, on the power play, Nolan O’Keefe.
But Marblehead went back to its strong skating ways in the third period and put the game away thanks to goals from Sullivan, Monaco (on a brilliant bit of individual stickhandling while 4-on-4) and Rodovsky.
“We’re still grinding and forechecking the same way we were this time last season,” said Marfione, “but we’re finishing our chances this year, too.”
Marblehead will play Medfield in Friday’s title game at 8 p.m.
Marblehead 7, Medford 2
Cape Ann Savings Bank Tournament
at Talbot Rink, Gloucester
Marblehead 3 1 3 7
Medford 0 2 0 2
First: Mrb, Hayden Gallo (Drew DePhillips), 7:58; Mrb, Kyle Hart (Crew Monaco, Noah Feingold), 12:47; Mrb., Kellen Laramie (Gallo), 13:06.
Second: Mrb, Hart (Monaco, Feingold), 8:33; Mdf, Vincent Castro (Matt Powers), 9:46; Mdf, Nolan O’Keefe (Anthony Madarese, Christopher Alexander), ppg, 11:26.
Third: Mrb, Will Sullivan (James MacKenzie, London McDonald), 9:25; Mrb., Monaco (Feingold), 10:54; M, Avin Rodovsky (Sullivan), 14:51.
Saves: Mrb, Leo Burdge 11; Mdf, Gabe Rudolph 27.
Records: Mrb, 5-0-0; Mdf, 2-3-0.
Contact Phil Stacey
@PhilStacey_SN