Reading advances to the Semi Finals of the Division 1 North High School Hockey Finals with a victory over Melrose.

The Reading Rockets defeated Melrose 5 to 3 yesterday in front of a packed house at the O’Brien Arena in Woburn. Melrose drew first blood and quickly led 2 to 0 after the opening period. Senior Mike Thomson cut the difference with a laser past the Melrose goalie and the second period ended with the score 2 to 1. Reading came out in the 3rd and took over as Mike Thomson picked the corner again to make it even at 2 to 2. Reading would dominate the game from then on and James Donaghey taking a pass from Sean Verrier, would put Reading ahead for good 3 to 2. Melrose did not go away. Verrier scored to make it 4 to 2 but with 2:07 remaining and many of the fans walking out to beat the traffic, Melrose cut it to 4 to 3. Goalie Ian Lapham made some big saves in the end and Verrier was able to add the empty netter to seal the victory for the Rockets at 5 to 3. The Rockets will now take on the #1 seed St. Mary’s of Lynn on Wednesday night at the Chelmsford Forum. The puck will drop at 7:10 PM and the hope is for a big RMHS crowd to cheer the boys on.