The South Boston pee-wee A hockey team played in the finals of the district championship last Wednesday night in Dorchester. They played a hard fought game versus a worthy opponent, Winthrop.
The Winthrop team struck quickly in the first period and took an early 1-0 lead. With the South Boston team needing a goal to tie it up, Lydon McGarrell took the puck from his own defensive zone and rushed through center ice and fired an equalizer past the Winthrop goalie.
The score remained tied 1-1 through regulation. The South Boston team continued to put pressure on Winthrop. South Boston goalie’s Joseph Hamilton remained tall in net. Defensemen Mick Crowley, Adam Alto, Brian Miller and Lydon McGarrell all remained strong and did not allow any opportunities, which would have prevented this team from repeating as district champions. In overtime the team pulled out an incredible win when Niall Ryan took a pass from John Maddox – assisted by Chris Conroy – and put one past the Winthrop goaltender.
The bench erupted and the crowd went wild, as the kids from Southie were heading back to the state tournament with another chance at the state title.
Coach McGarrell said that he was extremely proud of this team and its accomplishments.
“I told them moments after their state tournament ended last year that we would be back,” he wrote after the team’s win. “I expected nothing less from this team. We are a very good team which can accomplish great things if we play together and (believe) in each other. This is a very special group. South Boston should be very proud of them. Now let’s go and win this whole thing.”
The state tournament will be held in early March.
-Bobby McGarrell
