The Lynn Jets high school ice hockey team made an early-season statement in a 5-3 victory over a strong Marblehead High team last Wednesday night at Connery Rink. But head coach Joe Conlon said the team won’t be looking back after one of the co-op (Classical and English) team’s biggest regular season wins in its brief history.
Junior captain John Finnigan had a hat trick while senior captain Nick Comeau made 41 saves to give Lynn an upset of Marblehead, defending Division 3 North sectional champion and the favorite to win the NEC South Division.
“I’d call it a little bit of a surprise that we beat Marblehead,” said Conlon whose squad is 2-1. “We got the first goal and I think at that point, we thought we could win it. We were able to hold on and get one in the third period and beat them. It was a good win for us but we have to put it behind us now and move on.”
Finnigan led the way with three goals while senior Kyle Martin and senior captain Jordan Morelli also scored goals for the Jets. Morelli netted a power play goal with 2:15 left to break a 3-3 tie before Finnigan scored an open-netter to seal the victory.
A key to the Rams’ 2-1 start has been the sterling performance in net by Comeau.
“Nick has been outstanding in net,” said Conlon. “He had a tremendous game against Marblehead.”
Sophomores Kyle Devin and Brett Erelli, junior D.J. Hunt and Aaron Reddick, and freshman Pat Finnigan are playing solid defense in front of Comeau.
“Our defensemen are all playing very strong hockey together,” said Conlon.
John Finnigan has been centering the first line alongside forwards Jordan Morelli and freshman Ryan MacDonald. Kyle Martin, sophomore Steve Petkevich, and senior Joe Lannan are off to an excellent start as members of the second line.
Conlon’s staff includes assistant coaches Mike Deering, Ron Gaudet, and Joe Gunning and goaltending coach Brian Greeley, a former Lynn Youth Hockey player who was the goaltender for Lynn English.
Lynn graduated 10 seniors from last year’s team that went 15-7. The Jets play Masconomet in the opening round of the Haverhill Tournament. Haverhill and Shawsheen Tech are other schools in the tournament.