THE SELECT BOARD presented citations to the Mite 1 hockey team during a recent meeting. (Bob Curtin Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Select Board honored two championship-winning youth hockey teams during a recent meeting.
Select Board Chairman Dick Dalton recalled that the North Shore Stars Mite 1 hockey team and the North Shore Stars Mite 3 hockey team won their leagues’ respective championships earlier this year.
“This is one of the Select Board’s favorite duties,” said Dalton. “It’s great to recognize the accomplishments of these fine young men.”
Mite 1 head coach Nick Bello said the Mite 1 team played very well during a “long, tough season.”
“The team powered through it,” said Bello. “In the championship game, we beat Winchester 5-4 in overtime in order to win the 2020-2021 Valley Hockey League championship.”
Dalton read a citation honoring the Mite 1 team that recognized the team for winning the league championship.
THE SELECT BOARD honored the Mite 3 hockey team during a recent meeting. (Bob Curtin Photo)
“This singular feat is a reflection on the dedication of the athletes, coaches and parents whose commitment and effort is necessary for such high achievement,” said Dalton while reading the citation. “Under the direction of coaches Nick Bello, Eric Pedersen and Jeff Natalucci and team manager Tom Pagos, players Wes Adams, Nico Bello, Luca DePalma, Brandon Goodrich, Gio Natalucci, Chase Pagos, Max Pedersen, Joey Ryan, Jackson Shinnick and Jackson Stanieich demonstrated high levels of skill, dedication and sportsmanship that stand as a credit to the team, the league and the community.”
After each member of the Mite 1 team received his citation from the Select Board, the meeting’s attendees gave the team a round of applause.
The Select Board also recognized the Mite 3 hockey team. Head coach Steve McNaught recalled that the team won the 2020-2021 Valley Hockey League championship after defeating Wakefield 2-1 in overtime.
“It was a fairy tale ending,” said McNaught. “We were up in Haverhill, and we beat Wakefield 2-1 in overtime. It was a nail-biting game and a nail-biting season. It was a long seven months, but the team persevered. More importantly, the kids had a lot of fun. It was a blast.”
Dalton said the support the Mite 3 team’s hard work along with the support that the team received from coaches and parents allowed the team to win the league title.
“Under the direction of coaches Steve McNaught and Nick DeBaggis and team manager Steve Provanzano, players Cameron Connors, Johnny DeBaggis, Ryan Haynes, Luke Hudson, Billy Lauziere, Nolan Madrigal, Kyle McNaught, Dominic Provanzano, Luke Provanzano and Michael Raposo demonstrated high levels of skill, dedication and sportsmanship that stand as a credit to the team, the league and the community,” said Dalton.
The meeting’s attendees gave the Mite 3 team a round of applause after the players received their citations.
Both teams thanked the Select Board for honoring them during the meeting.
