RallyNorth.net

Parker leads Peabody hockey past Medford for first time in 22 years

Monday, December, 17 By Phil Stacey
Sports editor

One game removed from what the Peabody High hockey team felt was one of their poorest performances, they responded with one of the program's best-ever victories last night.

After missing his team's first two games with a groin injury, junior left wing A.J. Parker had a hat trick as the Tanners scored four times in the third period to defeat host Medford, 7-4, at LoConte Rink.

The victory was Peabody's first over the Mustangs in 22 years. It was also the first time since 1982 they had beaten them in Medford.

"It's a great, great win for these kids," said Peabody head coach Mark Leonard, his team 2-1 on the young season. "As bad as we felt after losing (in Lynn Saturday night, 3-2), it's the total opposite of how we feel now."

Parker scored twice in the third period; first to give his team a 4-3 lead, then an empty netter in the final minute to seal the win.

Sophomore Matt Rodgers scored the eventual game-winner with 2:52 to play, giving the Tanners a 5-4 lead. Captain James Noftle's second goal gave the visitors a two-goal lead before Parker sealed the deal with his final tally.

Zack Brown also scored for Peabody while Elijah Cohen and Taylor Shalin each had two assists. Jonathan Camara stopped 15 shots in goal for the win.

"Losing that game to Lynn might have been the best thing that happened to us in the long run," said Leonard, whose team hosts Swampscott tomorrow. "Our kids showed a lot of character."