Pinho stays hot and baby on wayIt’s a very good 2025 for North Andover native Brian Pinho, a former St. John’s Prep and Providence College hockey star.
Pinho, 29, is second on the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL Affiliate of the N.Y. Islanders with 23 goals and 21 assists in 59 games this winter.
But that doesn’t come close to the best news of the year. He and his wife Kate Pinho announced on Instagram that she will be giving birth in August to “Baby Pins.”
Congrats to the Pinhos!
Derkack back in transfer portal
Former Merrimack guard Jordan Derkack is going back into the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
Derkack transferred to Rutgers last spring. He averaged 5.7 points for the Scarlet Knights this season. Derkack began the season as a starter for Rutgers, but by mid-January, he was used sparingly in the rotation. Derkack regularly played more than 20 minutes per game in November and December. He played less than 10 minutes in five out of Rutgers’ last six games.
Derkack was the NEC Player of the Year last season for Merrimack, averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Far Corner hosts clinic for vets
Far Corner Golf Club in Boxford his hosting free clinics for veterans.
The first, on April 19, will include putting, chipping and driving instruction from golf pro Mark Mangion.
The clinic runs from noon to 3 p.m. and includes lunch, which is sponsored by “Run For The Troops” Road Race.
The plan is to offer two other dates for more veterans in May and June.
The vets will be offered use of clubs if they desire.
Harvey led nation in plus-minus
Salem, N.H.’s and University of Wisconsin junior Caroline Harvey capped another season with a national championship beating Ohio State, 4-3, in overtime.
With Wisconsin, which finished the season 38-1-2, trailing 3-1 in the second period, Harvey closed it to 3-2 with a one-timer.
The Badgers tied it on a penalty shot by Kirsten Simms with 18.9 seconds remaining, and Simms also scored in OT for the exhilarating win.
Ohio State beat Wisconsin, 1-0, in last year’s national title game in Durham, N.H.
Harvey, who finished with 18 goals and 45 assists, did not take home women’s college hockey’s highest individual honor, the 2025 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award — it went to her teammate Casey O’Brien who led the country in points, 26 goals and 62 assists, 88 points.
But Harvey led all college hockey players with a plus-minus of 75, eight better than her teammate, fellow defenseman Vivian Jungels.
NAHS coaching openings: Boys hockey, girls volleyball
North Andover High has two head coaching openings for 2025-26.
The school is taking applications for girls volleyball (deadline April 15) and boys hockey (deadline April 30).
Resumes should be sent to Greg Landry, Director of Human Resources, 566 Main Street, North Andover, Ma. 01845.
Marcotte returns to Methuen
Former long-time Boston Bruin Don Marcotte will be signing autographs in Methuen on Sunday, April 6.
Marcotte, a two-time Stanley Cup champ, will be at the Methuen Monthly Sports Card Show at the VFW Hall on 26 River Street.
The autographs cost $15, with $5 for inscriptions and photo opportunities. Mail-ins cost $20.
He will be signing from 10 a.m. until noon. The card show, which includes 40 dealer tables, runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is $2; under-9 free.
For more info contact Vic at 508-265-4440 or email him at vandreoli@comcast.net.