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Sweeney shines on Valentine's Day

Saturday, February, 14 By Mike Abelson
Staff writer

METHUEN — It was turning into the St. Valentine’s Day shootout, but then Casey Sweeney stepped in.

“Coach wanted me to keep it simple,” said Sweeney. “I listened to what he had to say and things worked out.”
Almost everything worked out for Sweeney as the sophomore took on the role of playmaker with a goal and four assists to drive Haverhill past Methuen, 6-2.

Senior Kyle Burke was the beneficiary of Sweeney’s first assist 5:22 into the second period. It was Burke’s last MVC goal as a Hillie.

"I got a lot of help from my team,” said Burke. “It was a great way to finish up my last MVC game. Throughout my career I’ve seen what Hillie hockey is all about. It’s about working hard and putting forth your best effort every game.”

Methuen’s Dan Loughlin had both Rangers goals, including the first goal of the game 36 seconds into the second period.

“We’re going to miss Danny a lot next year,” said Methuen coach Denny Egan. “He’s a hard worker and a good, quality kid.”

Loughlin tied the game at two after pounding the puck by Haverhill goalie Matt Fairburn during a scrum in front of the net with six minutes left in the second period.

After that, Haverhill took over, scoring four unanswered goals over the next period and a half.

“Our kids played well,” said Haverhill coach Spike Sprague. “This was probably one of our better games all year.”

Sweeney scored the eventual game-winner 12:44 into the second. He also had helpers on goals by Brad McGovern, Evan Pare, and Jeff Roberts, as well as Burke’s.

Both teams threw their weight around all afternoon.

“There was more hitting today than there was when we last played,” said Sweeney. “We brought it.”

Even in defeat, Jonathan Borden stopped 30 Haverhill shots to cap a stellar career at Methuen.

“He’s the best high school goalie I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been around high school hockey for 29 years,” said Egan. “I was lucky to be able to coach him the last few years.”