RallyNorth.net

For the second straight game, the Swampscott boys hockey team found itself trailing by two goals in the third period. This time, though, the Big Blue's comeback bid fell short as host Gloucester scored two back-breaking goals in the final minutes to emerge with a 6-3 triumph in Northeastern Conference action.

SALEM | True, the game ended in a tie.

But it felt like so much more to the Big Blue of Swampscott.

Trailing by two goals with under three minutes to play, Swampscott rallied in dramatic fashion as captain Keith Morgan and defenseman Sam Rakoc both connected late, forcing a 3-3 stalemate with Danvers on opening night of the 2007-08 high school hockey season.

Last year's record: 9-10-1 (did not make playoffs)

Coach: Geno Faia (8th year, 41-87-11)

Key returnees: Keith Morgan, Sr. C (15-7-22); Danny Rakoc, Sr. LW (6-5-11); Connor Barton, Jr. G (9-10-1, 2.82 GAA, 3 SHO); Brendon Hambleton, Sr. LW (8-8-16); A.J. Zarinsky, Jr. RW (7-5-12); Jake Donahue, Jr. D (1-8-9); Ben Wollerscheid, Jr. D (3-3-6); Alex DiDonato, Sr. RW (2-4-6); Justin Massey, Soph. C (6-3-9); Sammy Rakoc, Jr. D (2-6-8); John Pelletier, Jr. D (0-4-4).