Marblehead gets set for D3 state hockey semifinals

Consistency has characterized the Marblehead boys hockey program over the last few years in the state tournament. The Headers have reached the Division 3 state semifinals three times in the last four years ? a span that includes today’s game against Pembroke at Harvard (7:30).”We’ll try to play our game (tonight),” Marblehead coach Bob Jackson said. “We’ve been working hard the last 3-4 weeks. We want to cycle the puck, play hard at the offensive end and even harder at the defensive end.”The program has not won a state title in hockey, although it does have the stretch of recent appearances in the D3 state semis, as well as several visits to the Division 1 state finals several times in its history.”We have a lot of confidence,” Jackson said. “We’ve played hard together as a team and we’re working hard in practice as a team.”Asked whether any fatigue or injury set in after Saturday’s North final win over Shawsheen, Jackson said, “I think now at the end of the season, it’s a long season for everyone. We have bumps and bruises like everyone and we’re putting it to the side. We’ll play as hard as we can (today).”As for the Headers’ opponent, Jackson said that Pembroke “has a very, very good hockey team. They have speed, size and great goaltending. They have three solid lines. It’ll be a very, very tough battle.”Marblehead has its share of power itself, though. The Headers are led in points by Ryan Dempsey (22-20-42), followed by Chris McLeod (20-13-33) and Ben Koopman and Jake Kulevich (27 points each). Twelve players finished in double figures in points scored this season.Jackson contrasted the depth of today with hockey in his era, when he played for Marblehead High in the 1970s (he is a member of the Class of ’75).”A lot more kids play now,” he said. “There’s a lot more depth, lots to pick from.”