Sachems tie Beverly, lose to Matignon in overtime

  The Saugus High School hockey team earned a 4-3 win over Revere/Everett last week to get back in the win column after being outscored by a wide margin in its previous two games – both losses. The Sachems then took on Northeastern Conference (NEC) South opponent Beverly last Saturday at Kasabuski Arena, and the result was not a bad one, but it was probably not what Saugus was looking for. The Sachems ended up playing to a 1-1 deadlock against the visiting Panthers.

  The highlight of the contest was not necessarily what Head Coach Jeff Natalucci wanted to see from his team defensively either. Goalie Matt Smith was peppered with 40 shots by the Panthers and came up big, making 39 saves, to help the Sachems escape with the tie.

  Saugus’s only goal came off the stick of Massey Ventre. Neither team was able to dent the net in overtime. The Sachems are still tied with Beverly for the top spot in the NEC South. As of this week, both teams have four wins overall and one win and a tie in conference play.

  On Wednesday, the Sachems went to overtime again in a non-league contest against Matignon at Kasabuski. The visitors scored in the extra session to break a 3-3 deadlock and earn a 4-3 victory. Chris Regnetta scored twice for Saugus while Ryan Jones contributed a single tally.

  The Sachems, now 4-7-1 overall, are back on the road after a lengthy home stand. They are scheduled to travel to Haverhill Valley Forum on Saturday afternoon to take on Masconomet. However, with the forecast for significant snow Saturday, the game could get called.

  The Sachems are 1-3-1 in their last five games and have been outscored 53-32 overall in their 12 contests to date this season. Saugus is back home at Kasabuski next Wednesday to face Somerville.