Red Raiders Hockey Gives Reading a Run for Their Money

On paper, the President's Day match up between the 14-4-1 Reading Rockets and the 5-11-1 Red Raiders at looked like it could have resulted in a one sided Rocket victory, but the spectators got a much closer match than anticipated.

The Rockets were able to pull out a 6-3 win after a nail biting comeback by the Raiders, keeping their feisty opponents at bay in the final minutes of the game.

"We had more talent than them, but I give them credit, they played hard and they played physical," said Reading coach Mark Doherty. "In the long run, I think the team with more talent ended up persevering and winning."

Despite going down 3-0 early in the second period, the Raiders surprised everyone when they cut the lead to just one score moments later after two back-to-back goals by Brett Barbaiti and C.J. Hanson. 

"Overall, I thought we did well today," said  Melrose coach Jason Shipulski. "The score doesn't reflect the game, and for the people who were here they would tell you it was a nail-biter, and it came down to the end because of our hard work and determination." 

Despite the triumphant comeback, a Tom Crowley score assisted by Chris Welch killed the Melrose momentum before the second period expired, widening the scoring gap back to two goals. 

Cutting the lead to just a single goal earlier in the game, the Raiders came out aggressive as the final 15 minutes went up on the clock. They opened the quarter with a score, courtesy of Eric Mercer and assisted by John Bothelo. Just like that, Melrose was within one goal of tying up the game once again. 

Although the Raiders only registered about half the amount of shots on goal as their opponents, it is safe to say they capitalized on the few opportunities they did get. 

"From the perspective on the bench, it’s not what I wanted to see," said Doherty. "It’s nerve-racking, but the kids definitely persevered."

Unfortunetly for the Raiders, their comeback went to no avail as that would be the last time they would score. Reading's Zack Coughlin had a breakaway with 1:52 left to play, and managed to sneak the puck past Melrose's goalie, Kevin Marshall, to put his team back up by two as time ticked away.

"I think the way these kids played today it was the best I've seen them play all year," said Shipulski. "It was a great, back-and-forth hockey game. They turned the game around, and I'm very proud of the way they played today and I'm happy to be the coach of everyone in that locker room."

The Raiders pulled their goalie in an attempt to give them an advantage in the final minutes, but the strategy backfired when Reading's Tom Crowley sent the puck down the ice and into the net with just seconds remaining. 

The Rockets went home with the 6-3 victory, improving their record to 15-4-1, while the Raider's record drops to 5-12-1.