PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Swampscott’s Senior forward Kevin Lombard skates away from Hamilton-Wenham’s Griffin Penn after the puck.
By HAROLD RIVERA
SALEM — When the Swampscott boys hockey team took the ice against Hamilton-Wenham last Saturday, the Big Blue were given all they could handle in a close 2-1 win. Monday night at Salem State’s Rockett Arena, Swampscott looked like an improved team.
Behind a pair of shorthanded goals from forward Stevie Santanello, the Big Blue rolled to a 4-0 shutout win over the Generals.
From the start of the game, Swampscott maintained control of the puck and kept it from the Generals. Big Blue coach Gino Faia was hoping to see his team start the game on a high note.
“We were hoping to come out to a faster start and move the puck,” Faia said. “We didn’t want guys doing individual things. We’re at our best when we get good puck movement and use our speed.”
Louis Olivieri found a good look at the net just 15 seconds into the game but his shot was saved by Generals goalie Finn Brophy. Santanello followed with a clear look a few minutes later but his shot was off the mark.
The Big Blue made clean passes throughout the first period but struggled to get the puck past Brophy. That changed when Olivieri picked up a loose puck and found the net to put Swampscott on the board at 1-0. Dom Codispoti earned the assist.
“It was a shot from the point from Dom Codispoti and Louis Olivieri got it from behind the goal line,” Faia said. “Quick hands, goalie was on the opposite side and he was able to come around and make a good play.”
The Big Blue were awarded a penalty in the final minutes of the period but Hamilton-Wenham’s defense stepped up to shut down the power play attack. Swampscott led 1-0 after the first period.
Swampscott began the second period on another power play, awarded with three seconds remaining in the first, but once again the Generals were able to escape unscathed. It wasn’t until Hamilton-Wenham was awarded a penalty, midway through the second period, when Swampscott added to its lead.
Santanello flicked one past Brophy to give Swampscott a 2-0 lead with seven minutes left in the period. The assist was credited to Olivieri.
“Louis Olivieri made a nice play to him up ice and he just came in off-wing and took a nice shot,” Faia said. “He was able to beat the goalie (Brophy), who played unbelievable for them tonight.”
Carrying a 2-0 advantage into the third period, the Big Blue were able to ice the victory with a pair of goals.
With 13 minutes remaining Oliveri and Santanello connected again, as the latter scored his second goal of the contest to make it 3-0 in favor of the Big Blue.
Two minutes later Brett Benoit scored to make it 4-0 and the Big Blue cruised to the win. The assists on the goal were credited to Drew Olivieri and David Peterson. The point was Drew Olivieri’s first for the varsity squad.
Swampscott goalie Victor Kratik earned the shutout win in net, making six saves in the contest.
The Big Blue are back in action on Wednesday when they host a talented Saugus team at Salem State.
“I just went to watch Saugus today, they’re playing really well,” Faia said. “They have a lot speed and they play a tenacious game. They’re playing with confidence so that’ll be a big test.”
Harold Rivera can be reached at [email protected].