MARLBORO – Between the dates of when groups can first begin training, and when common season video games start, there’s a sense in massive elements of the state’s hockey neighborhood that every new season actually begins on the MSHCA Garrett Reagan Summit.
Its fifteenth annual version got here on Sunday, with 70 girls and boys hockey groups lacing up in 35 whole scrimmages throughout seven rinks at New England Sports Center, a significant tune-up for a variety of groups getting set for normal season motion as early as Thursday.
Hockey is again.
“For us, definitely, that’s the way we look at it,” stated Hingham boys head coach Tony Messina. “It’s named after Garrett Reagan, our former coach, so it’s something we always will do as long as we have it. We love coming here. It’s great, it’s a good dress rehearsal. … And then, there’s a little excitement here with all teams and all the coaches.”
“It’s exciting, it’s a great tribute to Garrett,” added Xaverian head coach Dave Spinale. “It makes (the brand new season) really feel actual since you’re taking part in below the MIAA guidelines, which is nice. There’s no nonsense. Sometimes scrimmages can get a bit of unruly, however that makes it really feel l
ike it’s Day 1.”
Might as properly kick off that Day 1 with a problem, which Hingham and Xaverian as soon as once more did of their typical, two-period matchup on the summit. The two-time reigning finalist Hawks, who return 17 gamers from their one-goal loss to Pope Francis within the Div. 1 state ultimate, constructed a three-goal lead earlier than limiting a Harbormen rally for a significant win.
Exciting motion amongst perennial high quality groups got here throughout it, too.
Div. 2 threats Norwood and Gloucester performed to a 3-3 tie, that includes an Andrew Gillis hat trick to assist the Mustangs come again from a 3-0 deficit. St. John’s of Shrewsbury held onto a 3-1 win over a Marshfield group ripe with key returners. Hanover obtained off to a 3-0 begin in opposition to Div. 2 finalist Hopkinton, Milton held Div. 1 state semifinalist Reading to a 1-1 tie regardless of an onslaught of stress, and Braintree blanked Andover 2-0 to spherical out a few of the prime boys motion.
The momentum that comes from taking part in in these video games is clear. But what’s simply as priceless is the chance to observe them – which isn’t what gamers usually get to do multi function barn.
“I think it’s nice for the boys to watch,” stated Gloucester head coach Derek Geary. “So many high school players play a ton of hockey all over the state, all over New England. I sometimes wonder how much hockey they actually watch. So this is a nice atmosphere. … I wish there were more of (it).”
“It’s something that I think is good for high school hockey, seeing all these teams in one building,” added Braintree head coach Dave Fasano. “I think it’s special. It’s also a way to get to look at other teams for a few hours.”
Where groups go from right here is but to be seen. But with one other summit within the books, we’re now underway.
Source: www.bostonherald.com