The Marblehead boys’ hockey team finished the regular season 13-5-4, good for the No. 16 seed in the MIAA Division II state tournament.
When Coach Mark Marfione woke up last week, he wasn’t expecting his team to have a home game to open the tournament, but that is exactly what happened – which is no small thing.
“I thought we were going to be seeded 20th and have a road game to start our tournament journey, but I am glad I was wrong,” Marfione said. “We have amazing fans and being able to have their support at home during the first game is definitely a luxury.”
So, how did the Headers find so much success this season? Marfione expressed the importance of staying composed and only worrying about what his team can control.
“We just have to play consistent and our style of hockey,” Marfione said. “We have to play as a team, make sure we are in the right places on offense and defense, and not let the moment get too big. If we can do those things, good results will follow.”
Marblehead has leaned on its captain-trio of senior forward Chris Locke, senior forward Carter Laramie, and junior defenseman Hogan Sedky for leadership on and off the ice.
“Chris, Carter, and Hogan have been great for us all season, and really have shown the underclassmen how important being consistent and playing as a team truly is,” Marfione said.
The Magicians also have the freshmen forward-duo of Avian Rodovsky and London McDonald, each of whom have logged big minutes all season.
“Avian and London are mature for their age, and I think both will be able to handle the intensity change well,” Marfione said.
Marfione is very proud of what his group has accomplished thus far.
“This has been a great first year as Marblehead’s coach, and that is all because of the kids on the team,” Marfione said. “We are in a really good spot right now and, more importantly, I feel all the kids as a team, and individually, have become better hockey players, which is amazing to see as a coach.”