RallyNorth.net

The scoring drought may be over for the Masconomet hockey team. The Chieftains hope so, anyway.

A.J. Rothwell scored with just three seconds left in the opening period and that seemed to jump start Masconomet, which rolled to a 5-0 win over Everett in a non-league contest last night. Masconomet improved to 3-3.

It's not the kind of message that Masconomet Regional hockey coach Bill Blackwell would otherwise advice in this, the season of gift giving.

But when it comes to his hockey team, he doesn't mind that his team stole one last night.

With a December Nor'easter bearing down on the Haverhill Valley Forum, Newburyport opened it season against defending CAL champs Masconomet Saturday night. However, the Chieftains were more powerful than the gathering storm for the Clippers to overcome.

Last year's record: 16-4-3 (lost to Andover, 3-0, in Division 2 North semifinals)

Coach: Bill Blackwell (3rd year, 20-18-5)

Key returnees: Tom Brazil, Jr. RW (12-18-30); Keaton Cashin, Jr. D (5-20-25); Danny McIlvaine, Sr. D (2-2-4); A.J. Rothwell, Sr. C (6-6-12); Cam Greeley, Sr. LW (5-5-10); Andrew Pannella, Jr. RW (3-3-6); Ryan Dooley, Soph. LW (1-5-6); Andrew Roach, Jr. C (2-3-5); Josh Mazzola, Sr. D (1-1-2).