RallyNorth.net

Something changed seven games ago when Newburyport beat a rolling Gloucester club. Now the Clippers may just be the team to beat heading into the Division 2 state tournament.

Last night at the 13th annual Newburyport Bank Hockey Tournament, the red-hot Clippers repeated as champs, toppling Pentucket, 4-2, to close out the regular season on a seven-game winning streak.

If anyone was prepared to play for a team that represented the United States, it was Andrew Barba.

Over the summer, Barba played on a team that traveled to four different countries to play hockey against various teams.

Newburyport coach Paul Yameen knows better than to underestimate an opponent, and as last night's final buzzer sounded, it was evident that he has taught his team well.

The Clippers (5-3-1) outscored rival Pentucket 8-3 at the Veterans Memorial Rink in Haverhill last night, pouncing on early and never relinquishing their lead. The Clippers are 3-0-1 in their last four.

Two third-period goals lifted the Triton hockey team to a 4-2 victory over Pentucket Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Rink.

A boisterous and faithful crowd came to watch the Cape Ann League rivals square off. Both teams entered with the goal of redeeming disappointing losses to Wilmington last week (the Vikings lost to Wilmington last Saturday; the Sachems fell to the league-leading Wildcats last Thursday), and neither team was ready to concede to the other.

The Newburyport hockey team gave itself an opportunity to enjoy the holiday break with a 6-4 come-from-behind victory over Pentucket on Christmas Eve.

Derek Freeman netted two goals to go with an assist for the Clippers (2-2). Derek McCoy and Billy Eiserman had a goal and two assists each, while Kyle McElroy chipped in with three assists for Newburyport. Meanwhile, Colin Cusack notched a goal with an assist, and Corey Ruane, Kevin Holmes, David Freeman and Sean Hickman posted assists.

Ryan Sifferlen netted two goals to go along with two assists as North Andover trounced Pentucket 5-1. The Sachems' goal came from Adam Roberts.

2006-07 record: 1-17-2, didn't make state tournament

Returning starters (9): Alex Roberts, Sr., wing; Adam Roberts, Sr., defense; Bob DiSorbo, Jr., center; Andrew Barba, Sr., center; Andrew Mueskes, Soph., goalie; Alex Connolly, Soph., wing; Cody McMinoway, Soph., wing; Matt McCarthy, Soph., defense; Tim Cosgrove, Soph., center