Published in the March 2, 2016 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Dan O’Leary (3) was named a Cape Ann League All-League player last week. (Dan Tomasello File Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Cape Ann League recognized four members of the boys’ hockey team last week.
Senior captain Dan O’Leary was named as a CAL All-League player. O’Leary finished the regular season with 16 goals and 10 assists.
Assistant captain Derek Crampe was selected as a CAL All-Star. Crampe finished the regular season with seven goals and 10 assists.
Freshman Jagger Benson was named as a CAL All-Star as well. Benson finished his first year on the Pioneers with seven goals and 13 assists. Benson also played a key role on Lynnfield’s power play.
“They were all very deserving,” said Pioneers head coach Jon Gardner. “Hockey is a team effort and they were a big part of that effort this year.”
In a surprise turn of events, Gardner was named CAL Coach of the Year.
“It was a nice surprise,” said Gardner. “The coaches in the Cape Ann League are all real great guys. They have noticed our growth the last few years. They also understood we were undermanned for part of the year and the fact we were so successful was something they took into consideration.”
Upcoming game
The 12th seeded Pioneers (9-7-4) faced fifth seed Boston Latin (13-5-2) in the first round of the Division 2 North state tournament on Tuesday, March 1, taking place after deadline.
“We have done extensive scouting on them,” said Gardner. “They are offensively gifted and have a great senior group. Boston Latin’s top line is very strong.”
If Lynnfield defeats Boston Latin, the Pioneers will travel to Chelmsford on Friday, March 4 and will face either fourth seed Peabody (12-4-4) or 13th seed Masconomet (9-9-2) in the Division 2 North quarterfinals. That game’s time has yet to be announced.
For more information on the Division 2 hockey brackets, visit www.miaa.net.
