Sachems hockey shutout by Marblehead

  As the current COVID surge begins to affect high school sports competition around the state, the Saugus High School hockey team did manage to play its sixth game of the season Wednesday night at Salem State University’s Rockett Arena. The contest against Northeastern Conference foe Marblehead was played before no spectators and even the press was kept away due to the COVID situation.

  The Sachems may wish the contest hadn’t taken place at all, as they were routed 9-0 by the host Magicians. Circumstances were rough from the beginning for the visitors. Marblehead scored four times in the first period for an early 4-0 edge. Two of those goals came within a seven second window.

  Saugus, which fell to 2-4 overall on the season, weren’t able to dent the net as the Magicians tallied five more times over the final two periods to account for the final margin. Saugus managed a few good scoring bids (12 shots on goal) but couldn’t produce much in the way of offensive threats against Marblehead goalie Nick Peters.

  It was actually the second straight shutout win for Marblehead, now 2-4 as well, who had blanked Beverly, 4-0, last week. The Magicians opened their season with four consecutive losses but seem to have turned things around.

  Meanwhile, the Sachems have dropped four straight after opening the season with a promising 2-0 start. Saugus has been outscored 20-1 in its last three contests and head Coach Jeff Natalucci is hoping his squad can get back on the winning track against Swampscott next Wednesday in the home opener at Kasabuski Arena.

  A scheduled rematch Saturday against the Lynn Jets at Connery Rink in Lynn has been postponed. Saugus can now only hope the recent COVID spike won’t end up affecting next week’s scheduled home opener against Swampscott.