Crimson Tide Co-Op hockey begins new season with positive results

Talented Everett turns heads after competitive battle against perennial postseason contender Medford

By Joe McConnell

In recent years, the Medford High School Hockey Mustangs have been a dominant team in the Greater Boston League. But only two games into this season, the Everett Crimson Tide co-op squad (1-1) is quickly sending a message to its opponents that they are not going to be taken lightly anymore.

After defeating the Lynn Jets 8-1 to open up the season, Everett literally put a scare in the host Mustangs last Wednesday (Dec. 14) at the LoConte Rink, where they led after two periods, 4-3. At that point, Medford knew work had to be done to come away with two points. After scoring a couple of third-period power play goals, followed by one into the empty net, the Mustangs managed to escape with a 7-4 victory. Considering they blew away the Tide last year – also right before Christmas – to the tune of 11-1, the Medford boys now understand they will have to pay attention to Everett in the standings throughout the next three months.

First-year Everett head coach Craig Richards already knew what he had on the roster before the Medford game, but his club only reinforced his belief in them after last week’s game in Medford.

“We’re still firing on all cylinders, even after this loss,” Richards said. “We have a deep, hardworking team that has a lot of talent this year, and we’re definitely on par with Medford after I was able to see a lot of positives that came out of this game.”

Mystic Valley’s Mike Brandano of Malden paced the offensive attack against Medford with two goals. Revere’s Frankie Annunziata and Mystic Valley’s Lucas Deguire accounted for one apiece.

Revere’s Chris Cecca was the assist leader in this game with two. His schoolmate Matt Lacroix and Everett’s Cam Couto each setup one lamplighter.

Goalie Ben Rosa of Malden was in net versus Medford. But he also had help from his defensive friends, specifically Everett sophomore Andrew Crasco, who was one of the players of the game, according to the coach.

“(Crasco) blocked six or seven shots in this game to help keep his teammates ahead or close on the scoreboard,” said Richards.

The Everett boys are currently on holiday break after taking on Lynn again in the home opener on Dec. 21 after press deadline. They will resume the schedule against host Somerville on Jan. 4, starting at 5:30 p.m.