By KEVIN DEVLIN and BOBBY MCGARRELL
The South Boston Mites were named the champions of the inaugural Mayor’s Cup street hockey tournament that came to an end in Charlestown on Friday.
They’re a talented group of kids and Coach Bobby McGarrell was proud of their performance.
“Southie played tremendous,” McGarrell said, “with a great display of teamwork and effort. They imposed their will on each opponent and controlled each game from the opening faceoff.”
Starting off, Southie defeated the Parkway Bruins, 6-1, in a resounding victory. The Southie team then cruised to victory against the South End team, 11-0. Next up was the unbeaten West Roxbury squad. Southie prevailed 6-3. In the championship final, Southie played West Roxbury again (who were their bracket winners). Southie jumped all over its opponent and never looked back, winning once again, 8-3.
The street hockey tournament was held during school vacation week, with games on April 19, 20 and 22, according to a press release from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. There were two divisions: Mite, ages 7 to 8, and Squirt, ages 9 to 10. Mayor Martin J. Walsh was scheduled to do the ceremonial puck drop at the finals at the Ryan Playground in Charlestown on April 22, where the South Boston Mites won their division of the tournament.
“Each and every young man contributed a great deal to this title,” McGarrell said. “They were all very deserving. It was a sound, complete and total team championship. A great deal of thanks to the team manager, Kristin Dearden; without her this wouldn’t have been possible.”
