Sparked by a three-goal effort from junior center Robert Gray, the East Boston High School hockey team defeated Latin Academy, 4-3 in the Boston City Championships at Matthews Arena.
Gray capped a memorable performance at Northeastern University’s home rink by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime. Sophomore John Lockhead, the leading scorer in Division 3 North with 44 points, also scored a goal for the Jets.
Lockhead plays on a high-scoring line with his twin brother, Kenny Lockead, and Daryn Zimmerlie.
“That’s a powerful line – they have 105 points combined,” said East Boston coach Bob Anthony.
Freshman goaltender Tommy Guarino made 26 saves to backbone Eastie’s defense.
“Tommy’s been backstopping the games,” said Bob Anthony. “He’s been undefeated in 10 games.”
Anthony was proud of his team that had dedicated the season to well-known EBHS supporter, the late Anthony Albano.
“To win the city title is an outstanding achievement because we haven’t done that since 2008,” said Anthony. “We dedicated the season to Anthony Albano. We started the season on a good note when we beat a New York team, 5-3. We lost a couple of close games and then we had a turnaround in the season in after we lost to Everett. From then on, we haven’t lost a game.”
Including the win over Latin Academy, Eastie is 9-0-1 in its last 10 games.
“The city championship is just frosting on the cake,” said Anthony. “These kids have really buckled down and put it all out on the ice. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Anthony said the team had four goals at the beginning of the season: win the Boston City League title, win the City Championships, win at least 10 games, and qualify for the State Tournament.
“This team accomplished all four goals that were set out for them,” lauded Anthony. “They achieved them with high hopes and high expectations they will carry in to our first game in the State Tournament against Weston.”