RallyNorth.net

Wed, Feb 06, 2008 07:00 PM @ Newburyport

Team	Final
North Reading	2
Newburyport	5

McCoy tallies 100th point in victory over North Reading

Thursday, February, 07 By Dan Guttenplan
Sports editor

Derek McCoy became the 21st player in Newburyport High hockey program history to tally 100 points in his career last evening during his team's 5-2 victory over North Reading at Graf Rink.

McCoy's 100th point came on an assist to Gavin LaValley with 2:21 left in the second period, giving the Clippers a 4-2 lead.

"It's definitely a big accomplishment," McCoy said. "It's big for everybody because it's a pretty tough feat to achieve. I'm lucky to have played on such great lines over the years."

The majority of McCoy's points have come in the last two seasons. After tallying 22 total points as a freshmen and sophomore, McCoy tallied a team-high 49 points on last year's Clipper squad, which advanced to the EMass. Division 2 North quarterfinal.

Both of McCoy's linemates last season | then-seniors Max Bayko and Kyle Roback | are members of the Newburyport Century Club. Bayko ranks 14th on the all-time list with 114 points. Roback ranks 18th with 104.

"To his credit, he worked his tail off to get to that point where he could play with those guys last winter," Newburyport coach Paul Yameen said. "He came back physically much stronger and bigger. All the work he did before that offseason paid off."

McCoy continued to his workout regiment this offseason. Playing alongside Derek Freeman and Kyle McElroy this winter, McCoy has 29 points | tops in the River Rival Region. He also leads the region with 14 goals.

"Last year I had more assists," McCoy said. "This year I've been scoring more goals, so I think it's even-keel right now."

Hockey runs through the McCoy family bloodlines. Derek's father, Donny, played high school hockey at Melrose before walking on to the ULowell hockey team.

"Derek has a good mind for the game," Yameen said. "He comes from a good background. His father was a good hockey player. That certainly helps. He certainly loves the game."

McCoy possesses a blend of toughness and skill that is rare at the high school level. He has been known to deliver punishing checks only minutes after taking the puck end-to-end on an odd-man rush.

"He can play any style," Yameen said. "He can play physical, and he's a skilled skater. He's a well-rounded player. It's been a pleasure to watch his hard work pay off."

Additional stories:

• McElroy hat trick lifts Newburyport