WINTHROP — The Peabody girls hockey team battled back from down two goals to earn a 2-2 tie in a Northeastern Hockey League matchup with Winthrop Wednesday at Lawrence Larsen Rink.
“We’re not happy with the time in the box tonight,” Tanners coach Michelle Roach said. “But I think a huge positive for us is that we went down 2-0 and we battled back. I thought we dictated a lot of the play at times. We were getting into lanes and had some good shot selection.
“I think that was the biggest positive being able to battle back and put two in the net,” Roach added. “That second goal was a huge goal for us. We would rather grab the two points but we are happy to go with the tie because this keeps us unbeaten in the league right now.”
The Vikings couldn’t hold on for the win but head coach Anthony Martucci was happy to see them compete against a quality opponent after a three-game slide.
“That was a big point for us because Peabody is a good hockey team,” Martucci said. “Last time we played Peabody we lost (3-2) so it’s good to know you’re improving. We have had a couple of tough games the last few weeks so I feel like this is a good tie for us. Not the best to be up 2-0 and end with a tie but we’re happy with the point.”
Freshman goaltender Summer Tallent had a solid night in net with 25 saves.
“The one thing about Summer is that you know exactly what you are going to get from her game in and game out,” Martucci said. “She gives you 100 percent every time. She has been on the hard side of the last few games because we have out shot some teams and the results haven’t gone our way. It’s been tough from her.”
Two Peabody penalties within 15 seconds of each other (a minor and a five-minute major) at the end of the first period put the Vikings on the offensive. Emma Holmes made a nice play carrying the puck into the zone and, after her shot was blocked by Abigail Buckley (17 saves), Mia Norris cleaned up the rebound to put Winthrop ahead 1-0.
Just a few minutes later the Vikings cashed in on another rebound. This time Olivia Driscoll finished the play to extend the Winthrop lead to 2-0 before the second period.
“It’s not like we have been struggling on the power play but we haven’t been great,” Martucci said. “To get a couple like that was nice. It was good to get a couple power-play goals tonight.”
With 31 seconds remaining on a Winthrop penalty at the start of the second period, Peabody made quick work on the power play as well. Mirasolo lit the lamp 23 seconds in on a wrist shot to cut the Winthrop lead to 2-1.
With seconds remaining in the second period Mirasolo found herself with a breakaway, but couldn’t manage a good shot on net. However, she was awarded a penalty shot after the Vikings were called for interference with no time left on the clock. Mirasolo made a move to her back hand on the chance but Tallent held strong to make the save to end the period.
“It was great to see her make that save on the penalty shot against the reigning league MVP,” Martucci said. “That was a huge play, it made an impact immediately and it turns out to be a game saving play in the end.”
It took Peabody midway through the third period to tie things up. Mirasolo worked the puck out front from the corner and ripped a wrist shot that tied the game at 2-2.
Peabody and Winthrop each had a power play in the final few minutes but neither was able to capitalize on the chance.
Both Peabody (11-3-2) and Winthrop (9-6-1) take on Masconomet up next. The Tanners visit Masconomet Saturday (7:50) while Winthrop hosts the Chieftains next Wednesday during its senior night.