THE SENIORS were honored at the boys’ hockey banquet. Pictured from left to right is John Knowles, captain Ryan Chambers, Eric Devlin, captain Tyler Pugsley and Pat Roche. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
Published in the March 19, 2018 edition.
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Memorial High School boys’ hockey team held their annual end of the season banquet at the West Side Social Club on Thursday.
The Warriors finished the season 5-14-1 and came within a point of making the tournament via the Sullivan Rule.
A very young team this year, Wakefield featured plenty of underclassmen who gained valuable experience and learned from an excellent group of senior leaders, including Eric Devlin, John Knowles, Pat Roche, and captains Ryan Chambers and Tyler Pugsley.
Some of Wakefield’s highlight wins included a 4-0 victory of Watertown, a 4-3 comeback win over Woburn, and 4-3 victory over Brookline to keep their playoff hopes alive in the second-to-last game of the season.
The Warriors were led offensively by junior forward Thomas Harrington, who led the team with 18 points. Harrington, who was recently named an All-Star in the M.L. Freedom Division, centered up-and-coming freshman wingers Oliver Miller and Mike Petitto.
Defensively the Warriors were led by Chambers, co-captain Mike Lucey, and Jake Regan who was excellent on both ends of the ice, becoming one of Wakefield most dangerous offensive weapons.
Awards were presented to five players including Justin Harding (Sardella Award), Regan (Muse Award), Pugsley (Delory Award), Lucey (Miksen Award) and Harrington (Czarnota Award).
Pugsley’s Delory Award is presented to the player who demonstrates tireless spirit and unselfish play, a perfect description of the captain’s attitude this season; after starting in net for most of the first three years of his varsity career, Pugsley mentored Harding all season and was willing to help the younger goalie who had a great year in net as Harding was named the Sardella team MVP.
Regan was excellent on both ends of the ice, becoming one of Wakefield most dangerous offensive weapons.
Lucey was an unsung hero of sorts on defense as he perfectly embodied Coach Miksen’s determination, integrity and quiet strength.
The Warriors showed a video at the end of the banquet that alluded to the excitement for next season after the experience gained this season, as the Warriors are for sure a team on the rise.
