Winthrop Vikings ice the Falcons 4-2 at Danvers
By: Jim Lederman
The Winthrop Vikings heated up the Raymond Bourke Arena at Endicott College with a (4-2) victory over the Danvers Falcons.
The second trip to the new ice palace with 20-degree temps, on the campus of Endicott College, was a pleasant ride home for Viking hockey fans. Co-captain Charlie Page scored two goals and recorded two assists, to lead the Vikings to their 6th victory of the campaign. ‘Number 16’ was the star of the game.
The Falcons opened the scoring at the four-minute mark of the first period. Charlie Page displaying the speed and stick handling that makes him the top offensive threat in the NEC, scored an unassisted tally at 7:09 to tie the score at 1-1.
Page pocketed his second goal with 5 minutes reaming to give the Vikings a (2-1) lead. Henry Brooks assisted on the Page goal.
The young Falcons (no seniors on the team) tied the game at (2-2) at 12:47 of the second period.
Sam Yarrow, the Viking frosh sensation combined with Page at 11:45 of the second stanza for a (3-2) Winthrop advantage.
The Vikings lit the lamp on a power play with sophomore Brooks scoring the final goal at 2:34 of the third period.
Junior Goalie Greg Gill was spectacular the last two minutes of the game when Danvers pulled their goalie to try to get a couple of goals. His last two saves were his biggest of the game.
The defense has been the backbone of the Vikings this season in the highly competitive NEC, they need scoring from the top two lines and at the half way mark coach Dunbar hopes his young team will continue to improve.
Slap Shots
I will take a two-minute minor penalty for leaving defenseman David Barry off my Gloucester game report. The junior defenseman had a strong game with three assists in the victory over the Fishermen.
Mark the rematch with the Marblehead Magicians on Monday, Jan. 25th at 7:30 at Salem State on your schedule. The league leading Marblehead sextet defeated the Vikings (4-1) back in December.
The Vikings defense must slow down the speedy Magicians and knock the Magicians out of first place.
Marblehead vs. Winthrop, one of the best rivalries in the NEC. Brings back memories of two late Hall of Fame coaches. Bill Falasca for the Vikings, Bob Roland for the Magicians. How many NEC titles for Marblehead? Banner ‘Number 13’ is hanging at Larsen Rink. Don’t miss the game!
Let the Games Begin!
Tip of the Hat
The Vikings had a tough assignment on Wednesday. The Lynn Jets (7-0) have their strongest team in years. The Jets defeated Danvers (4-0) and Gloucester (1-0) last week. Can the explosive young Vikings score on the Jets outstanding goaltender?
Charlie Page had a shot at a hat trick at Beverly Wednesday night. He ‘clanged’ one off the post or he would have a ‘hat trick’ game. The line of Page, Sam Yarrow and Henry Brooks could be the top line in the NEC. The ‘trio’ will be back next year! Here are some ‘memorable’ lines in Viking hockey history. Costonis, Eruzione and Christopher – 1972 – Chris Costonis, Mike Eruzione and Stephen Christopher (Chris one night scored 3 goals in 29 seconds). McDonald, Burke and McDonald scored 212 points in 1976 Yes 212! Boulter, Morgan and Ferrara, Myles Boulter, Danny Morgan and Frankie Ferrara all played college hockey.
Tiano, Jaworski and Sullivan, John Tiano (RPI – National Champs) Bubba Jaworski and Chucky Sullivan – John center on a National Championship team.
Lounsbury, Murphy and DeAngelis (100-point scorers).
Number 16
I have covered Winthrop Viking hockey since 1974. I have written about many exceptional Viking players including John Tiano, Chuck Sullivan, Bobby McDonald, Jackie Burke, Danny Brugman, Mike Eruzione, Chris Costonis, Steve Goddard, Frankie Ferrara, Dale Dunbar, Chris LeBlanc and Buddy Page.
Two years ago coach Dunbar said to me, “Charlie Page will be the next Viking superstar. The latest ‘Number 16’ to excel in a Viking uniform will be the next Viking player to be named NEC MVP and excel at the next level! If you haven’t watched junior all-star Charlie Page skate for the Vikings, don’t miss a game at Larsen Rink at the Michael Eruzione Center this year!
Let the Games Begin!
WHS sports roundup
WHS boys hockey team tops Danvers, ties Peabody
The Winthrop High boys hockey team earned three of a possible four points this past week in contests against Danvers and Peabody, a pair of rivals from the North Division of the Northeastern Conference.
The Vikings took the measure of Danvers, 4-2, last Wednesday evening at the Endicott College arena. Junior Charlie Page lit the red lamp twice in the opening period to give Winthrop a 2-1 lead. Charlie’s first goal was unassisted and the second was assisted by Brooks Geraghty.
After Danvers tied matters early in the second stanza, freshman right wing Sam Yarrow, assisted by Page, his center, pushed Winthrop back into the lead before the horn.
Sophomore left-winger Henry Brooks then added an insurance goal midway through the third period, with an assist going to linemate Page (who thus had a hand in all four of the Viking goals) for the 4-2 finale.
Junior Greg Gill, who has been sharing the net-minding duties this season with Brandon Creador, earned the win, turning aside 24 Danvers shots, including a few of the spectacular variety that prevented Danvers from mounting a comeback in the latter part of the third period.
The Vikings then hosted Peabody, which came into the game ranked eighth in Division 2, Saturday evening at Larsen. The Tanners’ lone loss of the season came at the hands of the Vikings in the teams’ season-opener, and thus Peabody was out both for revenge and to maintain its top-10 status in the D-2 rankings.
After a scoreless first period, Peabody broke the deadlock in the middle stanza to take a 1-0 lead at the second horn. However, Page got that one back, assisted by junior Nathan Rich, early in the third period, to knot matters at 1-1, where they remained until the final horn.
“This probably was our best game of the season,†agreed WHS head coach Dale Dunbar and assistant coach Mike Norris. “We played solidly at both ends of the ice and we had the better chances in the final minutes to almost win it.â€
The Vikings received a significant boost with the return of sophomore Steve Holgersen, who had been out of action with an injury and who reunited with his linemates, senior captain Mike Norris and senior Mike Casey (who himself is rounding back into shape after missing some games with an injury). The trio form a formidable line that complements the Page-Brooks-Yarrow line.
The Vikings, who are on a bit of a roll with a three-game unbeaten streak, now stand at 5-3-3 overall and 3-2-2 in the NEC North at the midpoint of the season. However, the Vikings have a busy and tough road ahead: They were set to play against an undefeated Lynn team (a combination of Lynn English and Lynn Classical) that is in first-place in the NEC South Division last night (Wednesday); host non-league Somerville from the Greater Boston League Saturday for a 6:30 face-off at Larsen; meet Marblehead, which sits atop the NEC North standings, Monday at Salem State at 7:30; and play at Saugus Wednesday, also at 7:30.
Lady Bulldogs drop
heartbreaker to Masco
The Winthrop High Lady Bulldog hockey team dropped a 2-1 decision to Masconomet in the most-heartbreaking fashion Saturday at Larsen Rink.
The teams had battled to a 0-0 deadlock through the first two periods and early into the third frame when Winthrop’s Mia Price broke the tie with a goal on which she was assisted by Sophie Leray.
Price’s tally initially had been set in motion by Katie O’Shea, who left a nifty drop-pass inside the Masco blue line for Mia, who let fly a shot that went wide of the Masco net.
However, Leray hustled behind the net to get to the puck and sent a centering pass into the slot, where Price managed to get off a shot as she was being knocked to the ice.
The Lady Bulldogs continued to have the better of the play, as they had for most of the game, after the goal, up until the fateful, final two minutes.
Masco capitalized on a scramble in front of the Winthrop goal to tie matters, and then with one minute to play, lit the red lamp again to notch the go-ahead tally.
The Lady Bulldogs pulled goalie Gretchen Howard in a desperate effort to get the equalizer, hitting the post amidst a flurry of shots on the Masco goal, but could not light the red lamp.
“This was a try disheartening loss,†said WHS head coach Anthony Martucci. “We played very well and carried the play throughout the game. But Masco took advantage of its opportunities and came away with the win.â€
The Lady Bulldogs, who now stand at 4-4 on the season, host St. Mary’s of Lynn, a big non-league rival, Saturday. Face-off time at Larsen is set for 1:30.
Martucci and his crew will trek to Marlboro Monday to meet Algonquin Regional, another non-league foe, and then will host Medford in a Northeast Hockey League matchup Wednesday at Larsen at 6:10.
WHS track teams
compete vs. Swampscott
The Winthrop High boys and girls indoor track teams traveled to Swampscott last Thursday to take on the Big Blue.
On the girls’ side, although the Lady Vikings came out on the short end of a 53-33 decision, a number of Winthrop competitors turned in fine performances.
Holly Benson took first place in the 600 meter dash in a time of 1:49.5, three seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. Sister Heidy Benson won her event, the 1000 dash, with a clocking got 3:34.8, fully five seconds faster than her closest Swampscott opponent.
Camila Miranda-Llovera also captured first place in her event, the mile, in 6:23.6.
Four Lady Vikings earned three points for the Winthrop side of the scoresheet with second-place performances: Christina Leone in the two-mile run in 13:37; Lilibeth Morales in the 55 hurdles in 10.6; Gianna Massa with a shotput toss of 31’-4â€; and Julia Baracchini with a high jump of 4’-4â€.
Regina Garufo added a point to the Winthrop cause with a third place finish in the 300 dash in 48.3, which was just 0.5 behind the first-place Swampscott girl.
Winthrop handily captured the 4 x 400 relay with a time of 4:40 compared to Swampscott’s 5:06.
For the boys, Taylor St. George took the lone first place for Winthrop in the 300 dash with a sprint of 42.8. Devin Racow scored three points for a second place performance in the 55 hurdles in 7.4. Will Holden took second spot in the mile in 5:22. Nick Beshere also earned second place honors in the two-mile run in 11:38.
Joe Trenouth scored a point for his third-place performance in the 55 dash in 7.4.
Both the boys and girls squads are schedule to meet Marblehead today (Thursday).
WHS gymnastics meet
Friday at the WHS gym;
WHS gymnasts defeat
Essex Tech, 129.2-121.0
The Winthrop High gymnastics team will hold a meet this Friday evening at 7:00 at the Winthrop High gym when the Lady Vikings host a quad-meet. The other schools who will provide the competition are Salem, Medford, and Malden.
“It’s going to be a great meet  to watch,†said WHS coach Daria Millerick.
The WHS gymnasts team turned in many superlative performances last Friday to earn a 129.2-121.0 Â victory over Essex Tech.
The meet originally had been scheduled as a home meet for the Lady Vikings at the Winthrop Gymnastics Academy, but a dearth of officials meant that the meet had to be held at the Yellowjackets Gymnastics Academy in Danvers (alongside a tri-meet), a situation that was not made known to Winthrop until just a few hours before the scheduled start of the meet.
However, the Lady Vikings were undaunted by the unexpected change in plans and made their trek northward a worthwhile endeavor with a nice victory.
“It was news to the girls only hours before the meet that this was happening, but they stepped up to the plate and brought 100% to the mat,†said Millerick. “It was chaotic and loud, but I think the pressure actually worked to their advantage and pushed them harder.â€
Winthrop started on beam and had a great set. “Our goal on beam is for everyone to stick their routines and stay on the beam. We only had two girls fall, which is a huge improvement from the beginning of the season,†noted Millerick.
Gracie Artmistead went first, followed by Kaitlyn Carter. Both girls stuck their routines and scored 6.5 and 7.0. Then came Lacey Scott with a 6.9 and Danielle Carter with a 7.7. Last was Rachel Farley with a 7.5 and Christa Vaccaro with an 8.1.
The Lady Vikings then moved onto floor, which was Winthrop’s best-scoring event of the night. First up was Charlotte Hurley, who had a clean and beautiful routine to score a 6.7. Kaitlyn Carter followed with her highest floor score of the season, 7.7. Then Lacey Scott, who confidently landed her new tumbling pass for the first time in competition, scored a 7.85. Danielle Carter scored an 8.1, followed by Rachel Farley with an 8.7. Christa Vaccaro was last but by no means least, coming through with an outstanding score of 9.45.
Winthrop’s third event was vault. “We have a steady and powerful vault line up, so we knew we could push ahead with our vault scores,†said Millerick.
Charlotte Hurley stepped up to the plate and competed vault at the last minute and scored a 7.7. Senior captain Mackenzie Chiudina performed a clean handspring, scoring a 7.65, Â followed by senior captain Julia Duplin with an 8.05.
Lacey Scott was up next, competing with a new vault for the first time ever, and  scored a 7.9. Rachel Farley scored an 8.5 and last was Christa Vaccaro with a score of 9.4.
“Essex Tech competed vault after us and had a great lineup as well,†said Millerick. “We knew that it would come down to our bar scores versus theirs.â€
All of the Winthrop girls completed their routines very nicely. Charlotte Hurley scored a 6.3, Kaitlyn Carter scored a 6.7, Julia Duplin a 7.0, Rachel Farley came though with a 7.4, and Danielle Carter added a 7.65. Last was Christa Vaccaro, who scored an 8.9.
“We were confident that we had the lead, but Essex Tech still needed to compete bars,†said Millerick. “After their last gymnast competed, it was 30.95 Winthrop on bars, to 24.1 Essex Tech on bars. We not only had won the meet under an extreme amount of pressure, but we had reached our highest score of the season.
“Overall, we did have a few mistakes and deductions we can easily fix. There is definitely room for improvement, but Pete Gobiel and I are very happy with the girls’ performances thus far. Focus is big for us, we are always reminding each other that focus and clear minds are what separates us from other teams,†added Millerick. “The team has come a long way from the beginning of the season, and we are excited that we have some time left to really kick it into first gear. “
Last Monday the Lady Vikings met Beverly, the defending NEC/CAL champions who perennially are among the top teams in the area.
“Coming into this meet we were optimistic,†said Millerick, whose squad came out on the short end of a 136.30-128.35 decision, “but with a handful of the girls feeling under the weather, and two injuries, we weren’t fully healthy.â€
The Lady Viking lineup on bars had Charlotte Hurley, then Kaitlyn Carter, followed by captain Julia Duplin, all of whom had great routines. Then came Rachel Farley and Danielle carter who scored 7.2 and 7.4 respectively. Last was Christa Vaccaro, who scored a 9.0 and hit all of her bar skills beautifully.
The vault came next and all of the Lady Vikings performed well, with a lineup of Molly Janeilis, followed by captain Mackenzie Chuidina, who was making her first appearance this year coming back from a concussion in soccer. “Mackenzie’s vault was awesome,†said Millerick. “She looked like she hasn’t missed a day in practice.â€
Next up were Lacey Scott and Rachel Farley, followed by captain Julia Duplin. “Julia had two great vaults, making it three meets in a row that she’s had three perfect landings. She’s on a roll,†said Millerick.
Last up was Christa Vaccaro, who competed a layout yurchenko for the first time ever, scoring a 9.45, which was the highest score of the meet.
Finally came the floor, which always is the most exciting event to compete on. First was Charlotte Hurley, followed by Kaitlyn Carter and Lacey Scott. “Each of them added new skills to their routines tonight,†said Millerick. “It was great to see them push themselves. Lacey Scott had been sick in bed for the previous five days, but was able to show a stunning performance.â€
Next came Danielle Carter, an excellent performer, who hit all of her tumbling passes. Rachel Farley, who has a bubbly personality and brings an amazing set of skills to her routine, was next. Last was Christa Vaccaro, who scored a 9.3, the highest floor score of the meet.
The beam came last. “Ending on beam isn’t easy, but we were prepared to do our best,†said Millerick.
Senior Taylor Reilly was up first, followed by Gracie Armitstead, Kaitlyn Carter (who came through with her best performance of the season to that point), and her sister, Danielle Carter, who also had a nice routine.
Rachel Farley had a tough fall, but didn’t let it show and finished strong. Last up was Christa Vaccaro, who hit what Millerick termed “an incredible routine†and scored a 9.3. Christa had an all-around score of 37.05, an impressive accomplishment.
“Both Pete Gobiel and I are proud of the girls,†said Millerick. “They’re really starting to pick up momentum and prove themselves.â€
WHS boys basketball
falls to Peabody in OT
The Winthrop High boys basketball team dropped a 54-50 decision to Peabody in overtime last Friday at the WHS gym.
Tayjuan McKenzie turned in a superb performance with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Zach Fisher added seven points and pulled down five boards. Devin Pulsifer also hit for seven points. Chris Zuffante was next on the point parade with six points to go along with five rebounds.
Other point-scorers for the Vikings were Loran Shuka with four points, Dimonne Marshall with three, Alex Perrier with a three-pointer, and Harry Floyd with two.
Jake LaFratta had a strong game on the backboards with seven caroms.
The Tanners tied the game late in regulation with a three-pointer.
The Vikings met archrival Revere this past Tuesday. They host Beverly tonight (Thursday) and play at Lynn English this coming Tuesday.
WHS girls hoop
hosts L.E. Tuesday
The Winthrop High girls basketball team travels to Beverly this evening (Thursday) and will host Lynn English Tuesday.
From the Press Box
The Alexander Memorial Trophy
By: Jim Lederman
The Irving P. Alexander Trophy was established in 1953. The Winthrop Rotary Club (now affiliated with Belle Isle Rotary) presents the Alexander Trophy in Memory of the past president of Winthrop Rotary.
The Alexander Trophy is awarded to a senior Viking football player who has given the most to Winthrop football with his leadership, community involvement and who excels as a student athlete. As an athlete it is the most prestigious award a player can earn in his Winthrop High School Career. This year’s recipient (football 2015) was awarded to captain Matt Feeley. Matt follows his brother Danny, who was the 2012 recipient with Dave Gallo. Dan is a standout player at Framingham State, recently named a league all-star as a sophomore lineman for the Framingham State Rams!
Jim Merchant, the first recipient in 1953 was present at the Winthrop Arms Restaurant on Wednesday.
Matt’s parents Pat and Nancy and brother Danny and grandfather Pat, were present on this special day. Coach Sean Driscoll praised Matt, “ Matt’s leadership and dedication to Viking Football, despite having back and shoulder surgery, over the past two seasons was outstanding.â€
Matt separated his shoulder in a big victory over Swampscott. His dedication while sidelined and his courage to want to play in the thrilling victory over Revere (15-2) lifted his teammates on Thanksgiving to the biggest upset over a strong Patriot team.â€
“We only had six seniors and we had many crucial injuries, if we had Matt for the entire season we would have won the Conference,†stated coach Driscoll.
Since 1953 the Rotary Club presents the trophy in memory of Irving P. Alexander. Irving was not only president of Rotary but also chairman of Parks and Recreation in Winthrop.
Irving was owner of the Winthrop Theatre and would allow students and faculty to hold the pre-Thanksgiving Rally and after the game would present individual awards.
Matt Feeley is a 4.0 student, National Honor Society and a stellar catcher on the baseball team. Matt follows brother Pat, NEC all-star goaltender, presently playing at the University of Vermont, Division One College hockey team.
Coach Driscoll told a crowd full of parents on Sunday at the team “breakup dinnerâ€. Matt never complained about his hard luck season and he told the coaches I want to play on Thanksgiving so we can win. Despite a separated shoulder he punted in the upset victory over Revere. “His courage and leadership is the reason we won on the holiday,†praised coach Sean Driscoll, “that is leadership and determination.â€
Past recipients during coach Driscoll’s coaching career included his son Dylan and Sean Gillis on the 2014 NEC champions, Jordan Corbett, Frank, Will Milano, Chris Beranger, Robert Hamilton, Nick McCarthy and Jimmy Barker were named to receive the prestigious Irving P. Alexander Trophy.
Let the Games Begin!
Pic/ Jim Merchant 1953- Alexander Trophy Winner, Irving P. Alexander and wife Ruth.
Irving P. Alexander Memorial Trophy
Each year at this time the Rotary Club of Winthrop presents this trophy in memory of our past president Irving P. Alexander. Irving died while serving as President of his club. Irving was not only president of this Club but also served as chairman of the parks and recreation department for the Town of Winthrop. He was very involved with Wint4hrop High School and as owner of the Winthrop Theatre he would allow students and faculty to hold football rallies before the big Thanksgiving Day game and following the game, presented individual players with awards.
This award allows us to continue to honor this great benefactor of our athletic program while, at the same time, recognizing one of our present student athletes. As an athlete, this is the most prestigious award a player can earn in this high school career.
At the Foul Line
The Lady Vikings lost a (45-37) decision to the Peabody Tanners at Peabody on Friday night.
“We played our best game of the season,†said coach John Gambale, “we were tied at halftime.â€
Captain Nina Bartlette had another strong game (20 points, 18 rebounds) Nina is averaging 20 points per game. She is one of the top players in the Conference.
“Junior Francesca (Frankie) Capone played great,†said coach Gambale. “Frankie scored 10 points and continues to improve every game,†praised coach Gambale.
The Lady Vikings played host to undefeated Revere on Tuesday night. The Lady Vikings travel to Beverly on Friday night and play host to Lynn English on Tuesday, Jan. 26th.
The Lady Vikings lost two key players, junior Allie Love and senior Jayda Hightower. The difference between a winning season was the ‘bad luck’ coach Gamble has in his first season. John will build a winning program with over 50 girls in the program that was decimated after last season!
Let the Games Begin!
Faces in the Crowd
A “High Five†to the Winthrop Arms for the dinner for the Rotary’s Alexander Trophy Award Dinner. Casey Goll extended that great hospitality and he scored another ‘big goal’ in his career.
Karen Gallo, East Boston Savings V.P., was smiling watching Matt Feeley receive the Alexander.†Her son David was the 2012 recipient, after a great career and a big game on Thanksgiving!
Dan Feeley looking forward to another big season at Framingham State. Coach Driscoll saluted proud dad Pat Feeley, his Little League Coach.
Another great Winthrop athletic family – The Feeley’s, we don’t need out of town players on our teams! Local players bring chemistry and championship teams!
At the Larsen Rink – Rudy and Lisa Howard, Rob and Susan Pucillo, Gretchen Carleton, Richard Thibeau taking pictures. The Adamson gang, Helen, Kevin, Michael and Jimmy cheering for sophomore skater Sydney Adamson.
Super Showdown
Tom Brady v. Peyton Manning for the right to go to Super bowl 50. The game has all the drama for a super showdown, the winner will play in Santa Clara, California ‘ Super bowl 50’ on February 7th.
Tom Brady has won four super bowl titles; Peyton Manning has one super bowl title. The game could be the last showdown between the greatest quarterback in NFL history – Yes, Tom Brady vs. “Number 18â€! The Game also is a battle of the greatest coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick vs. Gary Kubiak! What has Gary Kubiak! What has Gary Kubiak ever won?
The key to the Patriots victory over Kansas City – Tom Brady was never sacked; in fact the Chiefs never put any pressure on “Number 12â€. The Pats offensive line was dominate vs. the team with the most ‘sacks’ in the NFL (48).
The old “Crystal Ball†predicted Pats 27- Chiefs 17 – the final was Pats 27 – KC – 20.
I like the Pats to win and advance to “super bowl fiftyâ€.
Patriots – 34 Denver – 24
A victory on February 7th would be five super bowl titles for Tom Brady – the greatest quarterback in NFL history!
Let the Games Begin!