After encountering some rough seas in the past two weeks in which they went 0-3-1 after a 12-0-1 start, WHS boys head hockey coach Dale Dunbar and his Viking crew sailed their ship back into calm waters with a trio of victories this past week.
Last Wednesday’s big 5-1 victory over Northeastern Conference (NEC) North rival Masconomet not only snapped the Vikings’ four-game winless stretch, but it also clinched a second straight NEC North title for Dunbar and the WHS program.
The Chieftains, with whom the Vikings have developed a fierce rivalry over the past few years, came out on fire, grabbing an early 1-0 lead in the opening period.
However, captain Petey Silverman, assisted by Phil Boncore, brought the Vikings back to level with a lamplighter with one minute left in the period, providing Winthrop with the momentum that would carry into the second period when Silverman notched his second goal, assisted by Boncore and Hunter Fife, to leave matters at 2-1 entering the final 15 minutes.
Boncore then took center stage, zinging in three consecutive goals (two of which were unassisted and the other assisted by Silverman) for a “natural” hat trick (and giving Phil five points on the night) to boost the Vikings to the 5-1 victory.
Junior goalie Mike Donahue played a key role in the “W” with another outstanding performance, shutting down a high-powered Masco team.
The Vikings then celebrated Senior Night on Saturday in high-style with lots of fireworks for the home crowd with a 13-2 victory over NEC South opponent Peabody.
Senior captains Petey Silverman and Billy Hayes, assistant captains Robert Rich and Hunter Fife, and their fellow members of the WHS Class of 2024 ,Jackson Andy, Glen Calla, Joe Rich, and manager Teddy Bailey, all were honored and recognized for their contributions to the Viking hockey program with appropriate fanfare and ceremonies.
Among the highlights for the Vikings in the victory were hat tricks by Colin O’Leary (who had two assists for a five-point night) and Luke Gthinji (who also had an assist).
This past Tuesday Winthrop wrapped up its regular season with a 3-1 victory at non-league opponent Grafton. Dunbar and his squad await the announcement from the MIAA of their final seeding and first-round opponent in the upcoming D-4 state tournament.
The final 2024 NEC North standings showed that Winthrop was far and away the class of the league.
Winthrop 9-1-1, 19
Danvers 6-4-1, 13
Marblehead 6-4-1, 13
Gloucester 6-4-1, 13
Masconomet 6-5-0, 12
Silverman is NEC MVP, Dunbar is Coach of the Year
The post-season accolades for the Northeastern Conference (NEC) North champion Winthrop High boys hockey team, the No. 1 ranked team in the state in Division 4, poured in this past week.
For the second straight season, captain Petey Silverman was named the NEC’s Player of the Year.
And also for the second straight year, veteran WHS head coach Dale Dunbar was recognized as the NEC’s Coach of the Year.
Viking netminder Mike Donahue was named as the All-Conference goalie and captain Billy Hayes also was named to the All-Conference team.
In addition, three Vikings, Phil Boncore, Mike Holgersen, and Colin O’Leary, were selected as NEC all-stars.
WHS Girls Hockey Celebrates Seniors
The Winthrop High girls hockey team celebrated its three members of the Winthrop High class of 2024 with appropriate ceremonies Saturday afternoon. The senior trio of Sami Dimento, Hannah Parker, and Adrianna Rizzotto, all of whom are captains for this year’s squad, were recognized and honored for their contributions to the Lady Viking hockey program.
WHS head coach Anthony Martucci was effusive in his praise of his three stalwarts who have been integral members of the Winthrop program’s incredible success in the past few seasons.
“They are among the classiest players to ever pull a Viking jersey over their heads,” said Martucci. “They have been instrumental to two conference championships, two undefeated seasons, and now leading us this entire season.
“Sami is one of the smartest players I have ever coached,” Martucci continued. “She is like having another coach out on the ice at all times. She has played on all three lines throughout her career and has adjusted her game to fill each role. She is an incredible person and she will be greatly missed.
” ‘Ham’ is one of the toughest and strongest players we have ever had,” said Martucci of Parker. “She is an absolute beast in the corners and is dangerous when she gets going in a straight line. She is another one who has played on every line we have and did her job to perfection in each spot. She is a great leader and she will be missed greatly.
“Rizzo’ is the sheriff,” Martucci continued. “She is the one who polices the team and holds people accountable. She is an amazing stay-at-home defenseman with a heavy shot and a great first pass. She is so strong and so tough that opposing teams don’t act up with her out there. She is a class act who will be missed.
“All three seniors are our captains this year and they have led by example,” the veteran mentor added. “These are three of the best leaders we have ever had and I am so proud of all three.”
As for the game itself against a top-rated Falmouth squad, which is ranked #2 in Division 2 with an 18-2-1 record, the contest featured a playoff-like atmosphere.
“Falmouth was excellent,” said Martucci. “We were right there the whole way, hitting posts, crossbars, and the goalie. We did not miss by much, but just could not sneak one in. They capitalized on our two mistakes and got some momentum thanks to some favorable calls from the officials.”
The 2-0 loss snapped a 10-game unbeaten streak for the Lady Vikings, who sport a sterling 11-3-2 record. Winthrop, which is ranked 11th in Division 1, was set to wrap up its regular season with a contest last night (Wednesday) with Beverly and will host Masconomet this afternoon (Thursday) at 4:00 at Larsen Rink.
Martucci and his crew then will await the announcement of their seeding and first-round opponent in the upcoming D-1 state hockey tournament.
Lady Viking Hoop Awaits Tourney Foe
The Winthrop High girls basketball team concluded its 2024 regular season with a home-and-home series with non-league opponent Watertown this past week, coming up short in both contests. Coach Anthony Hatzisavas and his Lady Vikings, who presently are ranked 20th in Division 4, now will await word in the coming week of their final seeding and first-round opponent in the D-4 State Tourney.