To the editor:
On behalf of the MHS boys varsity hockey team, we would like to express our gratitude to a few local small businesses that stepped up and showed unwavering support of our Division 3 State Hockey Championship team.
To Steve Lewis of Smokey Lab Barbecue, thank you for generously donating a BBQ dinner for the boys after their upset win against the No. 2 ranked Shawsheen Tech. The boys have an amazing chemistry and thrive when they are together. Adding an extra team meal the days leading up to their appearance at the Boston Garden was a huge team building moment for them.
To the Marblehead Sports Shop, thank you for always being the team’s No. 1 fan. Despite being swamped getting spring sports uniforms ready, you still made time to print extra tee shirts, sweatshirts, and rally flags so that MHS community and the AMAZING student fan section was ready for the “Red Out”.
To the Marblehead Police and Fire departments that gave the boys the royal treatment with an escort into town for both the semifinal win and the state championship title! The smile on their faces when they got off the bus after that entrance back into Marblehead was priceless!
To the Gerry 5, who, on a moment’s notice, whipped up an incredible “post-victory” meal, for not only the players, but for the coaches, family, and friends. The boys had just got back to Marblehead when word spread that the Gerry 5 generously offered to sponsor and host the team for their victory celebration. What a perfect place to hoist the state championship trophy!!
We appreciate all the local establishments that hosted watch parties and supported the fans that could not be at the Boston Garden in person.
We are grateful to be part of this community.
With gratitude,
Beth Coate
On behalf of the 2024 MHS Hockey players and families