Jimmy Lyman steps up in 3-1 win over Abington
By Cary Shuman
Jimmy Lyman had to be at his best because Abington goaltender Nicholas Harris was dazzling at the other end of the ice.
Harris blanked the Vikings’ offense for two periods, even denying talented Winthrop forward Joe Pumphret on a penalty shot to keep the game scoreless through two periods. (Pumphret ultimately delivered grandly with two key goals in the final period).
Lyman did his job very well, keeping a physical and high-scoring Abington contingent off the scoreboard for 44 of the game’s 45 minutes.
“There was a lot of team effort, and we just took care of business and did what we had to do,” said Lyman, a 5-foot-11-inch junior. “The defense has been amazing, especially Paul Ferrara, who’s great at clearing pucks out and directing them north and south. The other defensemen, Nate Previte, Tomas Babine, and Ricky Mackenzie – they’ve been playing superb hockey as well.”
Head coach Dale Dunbar said Lyman and fellow goaltender Dax Sabin have been outstanding in net all season.
Both Lyman and Sabin succeeded 2025 state championship goaltender Michael Donahue in net.
“At the start of the season, we had a big name (Donahue) to live up to, but I feel we’ve done a good job,” said Lyman.
Lyman said he’s enjoying his first season as the Vikings’ goaltender.
“It’s been a lot of fun so far. I’m just working hard and doing my thing,” said Lyman.
The son of former Matignon star athlete Jay Lyman and Melrose basketball and softball standout Jen Lyman, Jimmy said he watched the Winter Olympics closely and like everyone else, he was very impressed by goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who led Team USA to the gold medal.
Lyman said his younger brother, Johnny Lyman, 14, is a hockey and baseball player, “just like me. He’s a center.”
What have been the ingredients to his success in net?
“Honestly, just playing my game and not letting other things distract me, and staying calm,” said Lyman.