While boys’ hockey’s style of play has not changed, the team has become more aggressive, coach Tom Ryan said.

Ryan said he noticed this change when the Tigers, 5-7-2, came back to tie Walpole 4-4 Wednesday, Dec. 21. “I would have to say that was the turning point of our season. We were down 4-1 going into the third period, and we came back.”
“That showed me that we had character, good leadership, and had gotten over the ‘fear of failure’ attitude we had at times in the past.”
In terms of how the team operates, Ryan said that they team has been steady. “Personally I think the team has stayed pretty consistent all season. Our style of play will never change.”

Ryan’s goal for the remainder of the season is to have his players compete for all 45 minutes of every game. “I want them to play to the best of their ability every night, play fast, move the puck and play disciplined defense.”

“We have had an excellent attitude all season, and have had great leadership from our captains as well as the whole senior class.”

The team was able to take advantage of a Dedham team that was weak for various reasons Saturday, demolishing the Marauders 10-2. “We did play well, but the score is a bit deceiving, as they had some kids missing due to injuries and sickness. We will have to play better the next few games if we want to have any success,” Ryan said.
For senior Mike Bradley, a captain with senior Ryan Fanning, a highlight of the season was defeating Weymouth 4-3 Saturday, Jan. 7. “Weymouth played strongly, but so did we. It was close until the end, and we really held our own against them.”
Ryan commended the team for its play against Weymouth. “It was important for us, because we finally beat a team that is always strong both mentally and physically. We battled all the way to the end, with a one-lead and three questionable penalty calls against us.”
“As I tell the team, all the time its easy to lose one-point games, and its difficult to win them.”