A half-century after the Arlington High School hockey team went undefeated, this year’s Spy Ponder squad came home with a state championship, its first under the MIAA’s “Super 8” competition.
The School Committee honored the team March 30 with comments of praise, applause and white hats emblazoned with a red AHS for each team member.
Coach John Messuri thanks the committee and Superintendent Kathleen Bodie for the support that made a title possible. He reminded Bodie that this was the third championship they have shared, as both had previously served in Winchester.
Committee member Paul Schlichtman, who attended the March 26 final against Central Catholic said his TD Garden seat was in the right spot: He saw the exciting game winner, scored 15 minutes into overtime, “turning anxiety into instant joy.”
He called it “a thing of beauty,” adding AHS beat nonpublic teams able to recruit more widely. “It shows a real love for the town and a love for the school … a true commitment,” he said. “I hope this is something you’ll have all of your lives.”
Bodie thanked Messuri for his leadership.
As Messuri called out the name of the players, noting schools that seniors would be attended after graduation, Committee Chair Jennifer Susse handed each a hat.
Last to get his was Johnny Fredericks, in photo at right, whom Messuri was unsure whether to call trainer or equipment manager. He has been part of the AHS team every year since 1978.
The Red Sox plan to honor the team at home plate in Fenway Park on May 2.
“Wear your hats,” the players were told.
Meanwhile, the April edition of the New England Hockey Journal features the Ponders on page one.
March 30, 2017: SUPER 8 CHAMPS: In first title match, AHS hockey wins in OT, tops Globe ranking
This extended caption was published Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
