–By John Lynds
The East Boston High School hockey team and hockey players from Boston area schools faced off last week at Porrazzo Rink in East Boston in a two-day
hockey tournament to raise money for the Boston Medical Center (BMC) Breast Cancer Research Center.
The Jets hosted the 6th Annual Deep Freeze high school hockey tournament, sponsored by East Boston Savings Bank last Monday and Tuesday.
Founded by East Boston High School’s hockey coach, Robert Anthony, the tournament donates funds raised to the BMC Breast Cancer Research Center as a tribute to Anthony’s wife Jacki, who is a breast cancer survivor.
To date the tournament has raised more than $15,000 for BMC Breast Cancer Research and the players were able to raise about $2,000 this year.
“Overall the tournament went very well and we were able to raise money for a worthy cause,” said Anthony. “We had several cancer survivors at this year’s event so it gives the players a chance to see what they are playing for. It really gives them a sense that they are giving back.”
Cancer survivors in attendance included Anthony’s wife, Jackie as well as his daughter, Carrie Brangiforte.
The competition got underway with the dropping of the pink puck prior to the start of the first game. Special guests include Jacki Anthony, Carrie Brangiforte, Bob David who represented the BMC Breast Cancer Research Center, EBSB President Debra Jackson and Greg Wellman,
Student athletes from East Boston High School wore pink hockey shirts in honor of loved ones both present and past who have been affected by breast cancer. A player from each team also receive a $200 scholarship.
The Jets lost 9-1 to Swampscott and 3-0 against St. Clement in the tournament.
“We have a lot of young players this year and we are still learning to gel together,” said Anthony. “There is definitely a learning curve this season.”
The hockey team is 1-7 on the season and will square off against St. Clement Saturday at 6 p.m. at Porrazzo Rink.