Most ice hockey stars will have their families seated in the rink when they reach a prestigious career milestone. Winthrop High School hockey captain Christopher “Buddy†Page had the rare extra treat of having his brother, Charlie Page, nearby on the ice for the big moment.
Buddy Page passed the puck to his younger sibling in front of the net and the freshman winger scored the goal that represented the 100th point of the 5-foot-11-inch, 195-pound senior’s varsity hockey career. Winthrop went on to defeat Revere, 5-0, last Thursday at the Larsen Rink at the Mike Eruzione Center.
“It was kind of a storybook ending – it couldn’t really have worked out any better,†said Buddy Page. “I passed the puck to Charlie and as long as he was involved in it, that made it so much better.â€
Page, a center, skates on a line with his brother, Charlie, and junior Pat Todisco. The line is enjoying a potent season that has the Vikings rolling toward the State Tournament with a 12-5 record. “Charlie has a high skill level and Pat’s hockey sense is tremendous,†said Buddy, who shares the leadership roles with captain Steven Goddard and assistant captain Dylan Driscoll.
A reigning NEC All-Star who was just selected to participate in the Shriners State All-Star Game, Page entered the season with 65 points. He unleashed a hat trick (four goals) against Saugus earlier this season and he’s been motoring toward the 100-point club at a steady pace. He’s also a powerful checker who likes to mix it up on the ice.
“Scoring 100 points really wasn’t on my mind when I was freshman,†said Page. “I saw Chris LeBlanc do it during my sophomore year and he was the last player to do it. Chris got drafted [by the Ottawa Senators] so I didn’t think 100 points would really happen for me but it’s been a dream come true.â€
Page started his career in the Winthrop Youth Hockey program and moved on to the Boston Junior Eagles select team in the fifth grade.
“I started playing hockey with the Mites in Winthrop and Steven Goddard was with me back then,†said Page. “I came back to play Winthrop Bantams with my friends in the eighth grade.â€
Page said he was grateful to his parents, Chris and Mary Page, for those many early morning wake-ups and automobile rides to the rink.
“No matter what I’ve done throughout life, they’ve always been there for me 100 percent backing me up on everything I’ve done,†said Page. “They’re the greatest parents that you could ask for.â€
Page said he’s learned “so much about hockey†from his current WHS mentors, head coach Dale Dunbar and assistant coach Mike Norris.
“Coach Dunbar and Coach Norris have had an instrumental effect on my teammates and me and they’re two of the best coaches I’ve played hockey for,†said Buddy Page.
Dunbar, who played at BU and reached the NHL ranks, and Mike Eruzione, another BU hockey alum and captain of the 1980 U.S.A Olympic hockey team, agree that Page has emerged as one of the best high school players in the area.
“Buddy Page joined a very elite group who have scored 100 points in their careers,†said Dunbar. “It’s something that he should be very proud of. In the history of Winthrop High School hockey, it’s a great level to get to. As far as a person, a leader, and his contributions to the program since he’s been there, there’s no on more deserving than he.â€
Mike Eruzione is also a huge Buddy backer.
“I think Buddy is the best hockey player in the Northeastern Conference and one of the best on the North Shore,†said Eruzione. “I think Buddy has grown and become a very good player and his brother, Charlie, is going to be really, really good and he’s only a freshman.â€
Buddy Page is hoping to extend his senior season as far as possible in the State Tournament.
“We definitely have a great group of kids and everyone has been clicking which has really helped out the team a lot. I don’t see why we can’t go very far in the tournament and win it all.â€
Page feels his positive attitude and leadership has helped the team this season.
“If my teammate is down, I pick them up and get them back in the again and tell them that they can do better that,†said Page. “I demand more of my teammates.â€
An honor roll student, Page has applied to colleges and would like to continue his hockey career at the next level. He said he tries to be a role model for his teammates, especially his brother. He also has a sister, Caitlin, a junior gymnast and soccer player at Winthrop High School. It was Caitlin who started calling him “Buddy,†when she was a baby and he was about two years old.
Hockey has been a constant source of fun and competitiveness for the scholar-athlete.
“It’s been the best four years of my life so far,†said Page. “I couldn’t have done this and enjoyed this sport as much without all my teammates throughout my four years.â€
Another major honor that Page said he will always cherish is being named the first recipient of the Dr. Robert Harney Memorial Award at last year’s banquet.
“Dr. Harney was a great guy. It was an honor to receive the award named in his memory.â€
Winter Campfire Festival planned
The First Wintrop Campfire Festival will be held on Friday, February 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Constitution Beach Bathhouse in East Boston.  Gather around an evening beachside campfire with park rangers and listen to nature stories. Roast marshmallows, ice skate at the indoor rink or make wintry owl crafts.  Astronomers will be on hand to let you look through their telescopes at the night sky. Free family fun!
Hosted by the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Boston Natural Areas Network, FMC Ice Sports at the Porrazzo Rink, the East Boston YMCA, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh and the Friends of Winthrop Beach.
In the event of a snowstorm, the Festival will be postponed. For more information, call DCR Park Ranger Enzo at 781-485-2803 x 109.