Zach Coughlin Contributes Two Goals to Rockets' Shutout Against Medford

The second-seeded Reading High boys hockey team was not going to let the 15th-seeded Medford Mustangs get in its way of a run deep into the state tournament. 

And on Wednesday in the Div. 1 North sectional, the Rockets took care of business at the Stoneham Arena, pounding the Mustangs 6-0. 

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," said Doherty. We had a good first period."

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, netting his second of the night on a great second effort during a power play earned by the Rockets.  Joe Czarnota and Mike Grassi had the assist on the play. 

“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 Mustangs were led by goalie Michael Gendreau who was standing on his head all night making save after save despite a 6-0 defeat. He ended the night with a remarkable 35 saves.

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.