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It’s been three weeks since the Winchester High boys hockey team (12-10-2, 17th seed) last suited up to play a game. It was against Catholic Memorial (19-3-1, top seed) in the Round of 16 on Feb. 28 at Allston’s Warrior Ice Arena.
The game was rather competitive throughout, but the Knights were still able to hang on to beat the Red & Black, 5-2, thus ending their state tournament dreams.
The loss followed a close win over host Wachusett Regional (18-2-1, 16th seed) in the Round of 32, 5-4.
However, the Knights were soon eliminated themselves by St. John’s of Shrewsbury (15-9-1, eighth seed) at Framingham’s Loring Arena in an Elite 8 Division 1 game, 4-3. The Pioneers made it all the way to the TD Garden to play for the state title on March 15, only to lose to Pope Francis (19-5-3, seventh seed), 2-1.
While the postseason was wrapping up, the Red & Black were getting ready for the annual awards banquet, which took place last week at Winchester’s Sons of Italy Hall on March 19.
Coach Gino Khachadourian presided over the show that featured many players being honored for their outstanding seasons.
Among the honorees was Caiden Brady, who first secured the Offensive MVP Award after enjoying an all-around great season, according to Khachadourian. Brady then received the Pat Gill Spirit Award for best representing Pat as a student-athlete.
The senior captain always gave 100% effort on the ice, while also taking care of his teammates around him, just like Pat. Gill, a former WHS football and hockey player, passed away in a 2014 car accident. He was only 17.
Senior Axel Osborn took home the Defensive MVP Award for his all-around defensive prowess throughout the season.
Osborn’s classmate Brett Daniels got the Blue Collar Award, because all of his unseen work that wins games. He’d always put the team above personal stats by fearlessly blocking shots and battling along the boards, all in the name of sacrificing his body.
Seniors Gus Gustafson and Thomas Lisy are this year’s co-Seventh Player Award recipients. This award is presented to a player – in this case two players – who work hard every day for the greater good of the team without any fanfare.
Liam Connolly and Jack Burkhart were each presented with the Sportsmanship Award in recognition of their hard work, dedication, integrity and honesty on and off the ice.
Alistair Dattoli is the most improved player after showing so much growth and improvement this season.
And lastly, the Hobey Baker award winner is Macklin O’Flynn. He earned this honor for his display of exceptional skills and sportsmanship.
Following the award presentations, Khachadourian announced that juniors Ben Wright, Greg Winn, Max Vozzella and Graham Emerick will be next year’s captains.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News in November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
