Winthrop High School Athletic Director Matt Serino has been named to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Ice Hockey Committee.
Serino will be the representative for District 5 that includes the Northeastern Conference, Greater Boston League, Cape Ann League, and vocational schools. The Committee meets during the school year and oversees all aspects of high school hockey.
Interestingly, the MIAA boys hockey tournament will expand to four divisions beginning next year (2021-22). The new alignment will be based on school enrollment, which means that the Winthrop High team could be placed in Division 4.
The Winthrop High boys team, led by Coach Dale Dunbar, currently competes in Division 2. The girls team led by Coach Anthony Martucci, competes in Division 1. There are currently two divisions of girls hockey.
Asked about the possibility of the Winthrop boys program competing in Division 4, Serino replied that “it would depend on who is competing in the division with us.â€
“If the alignment is done equitably and there are a lot of comparable teams that we’re used to playing, I would be open to it, but hockey has always had a different setup where it’s been based on your program’s history,†said Serino. “I want to make sure that it’s a good fit for Winthrop before we make a decision. There is an appeals process so we can always try to move to another division.â€
Winthrop High, led by Coach Bill Falasca, won a Division 1 state title during an undefeated 1975-76 season. Northeastern Conference teams, regardless of school enrollment, were placed in Division 1. The Vikings have been perennial qualifiers for the State Tournament despite matching up against larger NEC schools for years.
“We have two of the best coaches in Massachusetts in Dale Dunbar and Anthony Martucci so we’re always going to be good in hockey,†said Serino. “Both teams should be very competitive this season. We have high expectations.â€
Serino’s appointment to the MIAA Ice Hockey Committee is considered a prestigious one as members’ votes directly impact all programs through the state.
Matt Serino, 33, comes from an illustrious hockey family. His father, the late Christie Serino, was a legendary coach who had tremendous success at Saugus High, Northfield Mount Hermon, Malden Catholic, UNH, and Merrimack.
As a high-scoring forward, Matt played four varsity seasons at Saugus High, leading the Sachems to Division 2 state titles in 2003 and 2004. Matt continued his splendid career at Avon Old Farm prep school and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Matt was inducted into the Saugus High School Hall of Fame in the same class as his wife, Sabrina Cataldo Serino. It was a proud night for the two families as Matt and Sabrina received their Hall of Fame plaques before a capacity crowd at the induction dinner held at the Saugus Lodge of Elks.
Impressive, well-attended ceremonies such as that one have been suspended for now due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing guidelines that limit the size of gatherings.