Melrose Boys' Hockey Stuns Top-Seeded Chelmsford [VIDEO, PHOTOS]

North Division 1 boys' hockey top seed Chelmsford may have looked past No. 9 Melrose High School. And the Lions paid a major price.

The Red Raiders (10-6-4) shocked Chelmsford (13-4-4) on the Lions' home ice Sunday, breaking a third period tie and adding an empty netter to polish off a 3-1 upset win.

Following the victory, Melrose advanced to the semifinal round, which will take place versus defending state champion and Middlesex League foe, no. 5 Burlington (10-5-5) at Chelmsford Forum at 8:10 p.m. Thursday.

"You can't look past an opponent," said Chelmsford coach Mike McGrath. "If they were worried about who we would play next, that was a big mistake."

Zack Mercer opened the scoring in the first period with a goal seven minutes into the game. Chelmsford soon tied the game up, but Eric Mercer put the Red Raiders ahead for good early in the third period. Zack Mercer chipped in the empty netter late, and Melrose skated to victory.

The win comes during Vin Mirasolo's first season at Melrose since taking over as head coach following a lengthy tenure in Lynnfield.

"For these kids to put together the season they have is a real tribute to them. Their work ethic has been unbelievable," said Mirasolo. "The kids bought into the game plan. Defense first play has been our calling card all year, and when the game is close we like our chances."