WILMINGTON, MA — On Saturday March 30, 2019, the Wilmington Squirt 2 team (21-6-1), won the Valley League Division Championship with a 6-1 victory over Methuen. The team entered the 2018/19 season with EIGHT kids who never played organized hockey before. Led by a core group of veterans, the team quickly formed a close bond and focused on teamwork, effort, and supporting each other.
In the opening Quarter-Final Playoff round against Andover, the team got off to a quick start led by a “Snipe” from Mathew Norton followed up with a “hat trick” from Kyle Spencer. Great heads up hockey, passing and unselfish play was once again on display with assists from Tommy MacGilvray and Captain Jake Arsenault. The 7-0 shutout was captured by solid goaltending from first year goalie Aidan Lindquist.
The following week, in the Semi-Final Round, Wilmington faced off against the #4 seed Haverhill (12-14-1). In a nail biting back and forth game, led by (2) goals from Jonathan Cavanaugh, Dante Capozzi snapped a 3-3 tie with 1:20 left on the clock with a wrist shot off the faceoff. After weathering the final Storm Surge from the Haverhill Thunder, and key saves from Lindquist, Devin MacDonald sealed the win with a 175’ foot Hail Mary empty net goal to send the Wildcats to the Finals!
In the Championship Round, Wilmington’s opponent was the #2 Seed Methuen (16-10-2). Wilmington scored first with a defensive rush and a great pass from Dylan Minasian who followed it up with a breakaway goal of his own. Wilmington would not be denied this day, great two-way play was exhibited by Danielle Chillemi and Frank Cain, relentless back checking from Olivia Raposa, and “wall-like” defense from Nolan Harrison, Connor Jamieson and Dean Ciampa cemented their place as VHL Champions!
As a demonstration of Wilmington’s sportsmanship and respect for Methuen’s efforts, after each player received their Championship trophy, they again individually shook the hands of each player and coach. Congratulations to this special group of kids and their remarkable season!
(NOTE: The above game summary is from Wilmington Youth Hockey’s website.)
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