Reading Overpowers Mustangs Boys Hockey, Gendreau saves 35

The Medford High boys hockey team came into the Div. 1 North sectional with a tough road ahead as the bottom seed. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, they had to face the second-seeded Reading Rockets, who made quick work of Medford with a 6-0 first round win at Stoneham Arena on Wednesday night. 

Medford goalie Michael Gendreau was on his head all night, making save after save despite a 6-0 defeat. He ended the night with a remarkable 35 saves.

Reading goalie Evan Morelli recorded the clean slate, stopping 15 shots.

“Our goal was to convince the team to play three hard periods of disciplinary hockey," said Reading coach Mark Doherty. "No dumb penalties.  This win was huge. We respect everyone and it was very important to get that jump start out of the gate,” 

No more than five minutes into the game, Joe Czarnota lit the lamp on a beautiful feed from teammates Zach Coughlin and Mike Grassi. Two minutes later, Reading struck again. Zach Coughlin found the box score again scoring on a pass from Ross Anderson.

“We are a much better team being in the lead than coming from behind. We had a good first period,” said Doherty.

The second period was rather quiet from both teams. The Mustangs were gaining momentum until 4:25 left remaining in the period where the Rockets responded.  Zach Coughlin continued his strong play on the night netting his second of the night on a great second effort during a power play earned by the Rockets. Credit the assists to Joe Czarnota and Mike Grassi.

“We moved the puck well and shook things up a bit tonight," said Doherty. "We want to work hard every game."

The Rockets went on to score three more goals in the third period to put an end to the Mustangs tournament run.  

The Reading Rockets will move on to face familiar foe Wakefield on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the quraterfinals in Woburn.  

“I worry about my team and no one else," said Doherty. "I do not care who we play.  We will just bring our ‘A’ game.  It is what it is.  If we clean up the dumb penalties and play hard, we will be fine,” said Doherty.