With a perfect record and a league championship banner in hand, the Winthrop High girls hockey team will open the MIAA State Tournament against Hopkinton High Thursday at 7 p.m. at Larsen Rink at the Mike Eruzione Center.
Winthrop is the No. 5 seed in Division 1 with an 18-0 record. Coach Butch Martucci’s Vikings are the only remaining undefeated team in Massachusetts girls hockey.
The Vikings won their second NEHL title in a row, led by the fabulous Holmes triplets, All-Conference honorees Emma Holmes and Julia Holmes and All-Star defenseman Abby Holmes, and All-Stars Mia Norris, Talia Martucci, and Adrianna Rizzotto. Freshman Riley Towse has enjoyed an excellent rookie season as the Vikings’ goaltender.
Coach Martucci expects a tough, opening-round test from Hopkinton, a town known for being the starting point of the Boston Marathon.
“Hopkinton is a very good team,†said Martucci. “They have a couple of really fast skaters, solid defensemen, and a good goalie. This will be a battle.â€
The Vikings played in a scrimmage versus Belmont Saturday. The intensity has picked up in practices.
“Everybody seems ready to go,†said Martucci. “Practices have been great. The girls’ attitudes are unbelievable and they’re ready to attack this tournament.â€
Winthrop’s tournament game is part of a doubleheader at Larsen Rink, with the boys hockey team taking the ice at 4 p.m. for its playoff opener.