NO LET UP FOR CONCORD CARLISLE I

Although its seven-game unbeaten streak was halted by Lincoln-Sudbury last Sunday, Concord Carlisle I maintained its stronghold over the top spot in the East Division with a 5-1-0 record. The talented squad welcomed in the New Year with a big 3-0 win over Bedford I and then a 7-3 decision against Malden I. In the latter game, Jeff Costanza posted four assists and Evan Maione and Kevin Bailey both wore hats for Concord.

MELROSE RISES TO THE CENTRAL TOP

The Melrose II team maintained its position atop the Central Division by edging Malden by a score of 4-3. In that exciting game, Ryan Sheft scored the winner with just 2:06 left and Hared Crowell had 1-1-2 to lead the way offensively. Melrose now boasts a 4-1-0 record and has a four-point advantage over Groton and Malden.

METHUEN (7th) MAKES A MOVE

Methuen (7th) moved within one point of third place in the East Division following a recent 4-1 win over Newburyport. In that key showdown, Brendan O'Shea and Mike Cooper both had a goal and an assist to pace Methuen, which is 2-2-0 in league play.

READING BARRELS TOWARDS FIRST

In South Division action during the week ending on December 17th, the Reading 8th team scored an important tie against league-rival Groton to pull within one point of first place. Reading has a 2-1-1 record and trails only Exeter N.H. I and Lynnfield I in the divisional standings.

NORTH ANDOVER SCORES BIG WIN!

In dramatic fashion, North Andover posted its first East Division victory when Sam Curran scored with 18 seconds left to give the Knights a 5-4 win over Methuen. Concord Carlisle I (3-0-0) and Newburyport II (2-0-0) remain the only undefeated teams in the VMSHL's East Division.

TEAMS OFF TO A FAST START! The first installment of weekly roundups is available

The Medford 1 team is enjoying a strong start to the new season as they have won three of their first four league games. The squad currently stands just two points back of North Division leader Billerica 1. Medford was one of many teams that were in action during the week ending on December 4th. Check out all of the highlights.

WELCOME TO THE NEW SEASON! Rink Reporter Mike Shalin Prepares for the new season

The second season of the Valley Middle School League began in earnest last week. Last season, Reading reeled off 12 straight victories to win the sixth grade title, while Woburn won the seventh/eighth grade North and Lexington won the South. There will be many more highlights this season that will be featured as part of the Mike Shalin weekly roundups.