Piece of History

Ferrara’s winning goal versus Peabody could stand the test of time

By Cary Shuman

If anyone knows the history of Winthrop High School girls hockey, it’s Anthony “Butch” Martucci. Fifteen years behind the bench, he’s seen some big goals scored by Winthrop players during a string of tournament-qualifying years, including an undefeated campaign in 2022.

And Reese Ferrara’s goal – in a 2-0 victory over Peabody during a first-place showdown Jan. 29 at Larsen Rink – could become one of the biggest in Vikings’ lore if the Vikings go on to claim the Northeast Hockey League title.

“Reese and Talia [Martucci] were out in front of the net banging away at the puck, and Reese was able to finish it up, which was great,” said Butch Martucci. “We were in a power-play situation, and Reese’s job was more or less, to be in front of the net, trying to take the goalie’s eyes away and look for any tip or rebound that might come through. Reese pounced on the puck and delivered. She’s so fast and such a good puck retriever.”

Talia Martucci later scored an unassisted goal.

Of course, the goal scorers and the team needed a sensational effort from goaltender Riley Towse to protect the lead.

“Riley was absolutely immense, she played unbelievably,” said Martucci about the junior’s 25-save performance. “[Defensemen] Amelia Spencer, Fran Indrisano, Tegan Pereira, and Avalina Coffey did an excellent job against a high-scoring Peabody team.”

Interestingly, Ferrara’s goal was her first of the season. “It was a perfect time for Reese to strike,” said Martucci. “Last year, she scored her first goal in the Peabody game. It just so happens that she shows up in the biggest games. Reese is a heart-and-soul kid for our team. We as coaches value Reese so much because she plays a 200-foot [the length of rinks] game – excelling in all three zones. She’s just a great player.”

Reese Ferrara brings tremendous athletic stock to the ice. She is the daughter of Paul Ferrara and Elizabeth [Lally] Ferrara, part of the sports-rich Lally sisters, who have all etched their names in Vikings’ history.

“Paul was an unbelievable athlete, a fantastic football player,” said Martucci. “And Elizabeth was a good athlete in her own right, she was a gymnast and a track runner of note. And Reese’s two siblings, are also great athletes. Paul’s a defenseman on the boys hockey team, logging the most minutes. And the younger daughter, Lola, a seventh grader, is a phenomenal soccer player and also plays hockey as well.”

“It was a huge win over Peabody,” said Martucci, whose team must win its final two league games to claim a Northeast Hockey title – and ensure that Reese Ferrara’s goal versus the Tanners will be remembered forever as a championship banner-producer.