Reading Middle School Team Skates to Title

The Reading High School boys hockey team is having yet another stellar season, opening Super 8 play on Sunday against Austin Prep. But they aren’t the only Rockets in town finding success on the ice.

Reading’s seventh grade middle school team recently edged Lexington to earn a championship victory, thanks to a shootout win.

The team, coached by Jerry Lamb and John Giuliotti, who coaches the North Reading High School hockey team, skated to a 0-0 draw after regulation and overtime in the title game. But it was the Rockets who came out on top thanks to a 3-1 shootout win. 

Team members included Michael Driscoll, Matt Coughlin, PJ McCarthy, Ryan Driscoll, Brian Nadeau, Tom Lamb, Gabe Clemente, Matt Farwell, Cam Hannabury, Jack Giuliotti, David Santosuosso, Pat Mahoney, Charlie Donahue, Matty Tighe, Jack Stanton, and Ryan Gallagher.

According to program director Brian Tobin, who supervises all four teams in town, Reading is still trying to create a feeder program to continue the recent success at the high school level.

Tobin added, however, that it’s a steep task because teams like Malden Catholic, St. John’s Prep and Austin Prep are always on the lookout for talented young skaters to improve their programs.

That’s one of the reasons the middle school title was important, according to Tobin. He said he hopes the young players see that winning is fun, especially when it’s in your hometown.

“There are a lot of life lessons going on, not just hockey. It was a good win for the kids,” said Tobin. “I’m trying to remind these kids how good it is to play with your friends. They all have plans to go everywhere to play. But the hope is that the core stays here and helps build some consistency at Reading High School.”

Are you a big fan of the Rockets? You'll also want to see:

• Reading Boys Basketball Upset Bid Falls Just Short
• Playoff Brackets Revealed for Rocket Teams
• Balanced Effort Jolts Rockets to State Title
• Region's Teams Ranked Among State's Best
• Rockets Seizing Golden Opportunity Under Head Coach
• Rockets Tame Wildcats in 'Super' Match Up