Before there was a CM, there was a Matignon to dominate the sport of Eastern Mass. high school hockey. And while Matignon's dominance has waned a bit in the later 1990s and on into the millennium, the Warriors still pose a very real threat to the future of the Middlesex League co-champion Woburn High boys hockey team in the Division 1 North tournament.

Matignon routed St. Peter Marian, 9-2, yesterday at the Chelmsford Forum (which by the way is in North Billerica) and is now Woburn's opponent in tomorrow night's quarterfinal matchup at Ryan Arena in Watertown. Faceoff is at 6 p.m.

The no. 2 seeded Tanners hope to shake off the rink rust when they play their first game in 16 days. Outside scrimmages and repeated practicing hopefully will keep Woburn (16-3-1) sharp when they play the no. 7 seeded Warriors (12-6-3), coached by long-time mentor Marty Pierce.

Medford 3, Reading 1

By Mike Rubin

BILLERICA — Any hopes for a deep Division 1 North tournament run by the Reading High boys' hockey team came to a resounding halt.

Junior Rino Borello led the way with two goals and goaltender Andrew Piekos made 28 saves as Medford handed the Rockets a 3-1 defeat in Saturday's Division 1 North tournament first round action at a packed Chelmsford Forum. With the loss, the Rockets' season comes to end, finishing at 13-9-1, their worst record since going 6-12-2 back in the 1981-82 season.

Following the loss, Rocket coach Peter Doherty reflected on the team's overall performance this season.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, this team has underachieved all year," said a dismayed Doherty. "The first Woburn game this year was our best of the year, then we had a pretty good game at BC High. And then ever since then it's been all downhill. Either we take too many stupid penalties, or we keep making the same mental mistakes in the defensive zone. Today we made some key mental mistakes in our own zone and they (Medford) came through and capitalized on their scoring chances. I told the kids in the locker room that they underachieved, but what are you going to do? That's the way it goes."

Guided by Brian Collins and senior co-captain Rob Campbell, the Rockets ignited several early scoring opportunities in the game's opening minutes. But Piekos was equal to the task, stopping shots from Collins and Eric Morgani from close range.

"Hey they're goaltender was pretty good and he made some nice saves," said Doherty. "But we had plenty of opportunities and we didn't get the rebounds. They did a better job clearing the puck out of their zone than we did."

While Piekos stopped several shots on odd man rushes, Rocket goaltender Peter Scimemi also fared impressive, making several saves glove side on shots by Andrew DiFraia and Tom Tracy.

"Peter's been steady for us all year and it's not his fault," said Doherty. "He's made some really key saves for us. Unfortunately, when you keep making mental mistakes, like we've been making, teams are going to take advantage."

After both teams established several odd man rushes to no avail, the Mustangs drew first blood for the 1-0 lead with 1:31 left in the first period. Winger Bill Powers, carrying the puck in the neutral zone, weaved through two Rocket defenders and centered a pass to Borelli, who one timed a shot past Scimemi short side.

"We're not a scoring powerhouse and we have to work hard for our goals," said Mustang coach David Sacco, the former Mustang, BU, and NHL skater. "(Powers) made a very nice move to get the puck over to (Borelli) and he just managed to hit it home into the open net. Piekos has been really playing solid all year and we've really been relying on a lot of our defense to help us get through these close games."

The Rockets' freefall continued only eight seconds into the second period as the Mustangs grabbed a 2-0 lead. On the opening face-off, Powers stole an attempted defensive pass and centered a pass to Borelli, who tucked in a slow wrist shot through Scimemi's pads.

"We win the face off and we give it right back to them," said Doherty. "Then they go on and walk right in and score and we just stand around and watch them. It's just been that kind of season for us and I didn't think we played with the level of intensity that we needed to."

With 5:42 remaining in the second period, the Rockets nearly capitalized on a power-play opportunity. But Piekos held his ground between the pipes, stopping multiple slap shots from Collins and Morgani.

"It's just unfortunate that we didn't capitalize on our scoring chances," said Doherty. "If a couple of bounces had went our way, who knows what would have happened."

Not only did Piekos stop a barrage of shots by Kevin Corley and Mark Andrick to open the third period, he was credited with an assist on the Mustangs' third goal. With 7:24 remaining, Piekos delivered a pass to Anthony Ausielio in the neutral zone. Ausielio emerged on a breakaway and tucked in the puck past Scimemi short side for the commanding 3-0 lead.

Refusing to quit, Collins trimmed the lead to 3-1 with 5:17 left. On a three on two, Campbell centered a pass to Collins, who one-timed a shot past Piekos top corner.

With Scimemi out for the extra attacker, the Rockets attempted to create numerous scoring chances. But Piekos held his ground, making several key saves in preserving the win.