WINTHROP — Last year, a very young Winthrop girls hockey team came together on pure talent and earned a trip to the state tournament. This year, with nearly every player from last year’s roster returning, the Vikings are set to make a massive leap forward.
Winthrop battled through the difficult Northeastern Hockey League to a 8-7-3 record last year, earning a spot in the Division 1 tournament. Despite falling to a strong Belmont team, the experience the Vikings gained will pay dividends.
“Last year, we had a ton of freshmen play and we grew up a lot,” said coach Anthony Martucci. “We gained a ton of experience, we retained a ton of talent and our maturity levels are through the roof. Now it’s time to take the next step.”
The Vikings have a host of talented players returning in 2020-2021, starting with junior goalie Summer Tallent. A four-year starter, Tallent has been named a team captain along with junior Mia Martucci. Antea Schlichting and Jenna Lindinger are the lone seniors on the roster, while Ella English and the Holmes triplets — Julia, Emma and Abby — round out the junior returners. Julia Holmes, Emma Holmes, Tallent and Mia Martucci were all Item All-Stars last season.
“We’ve got a really strong group returning and we have a lot of chemistry,” said Martucci. “The great thing about our group is that these kids have been together for years throughout youth hockey and up to now. They all know each other so well on the ice.”
That familiarity has been translating into practice, as the Vikings have held some high-intensity sessions in the first week back on the ice.
“The practices have been really good so far,” said Martucci. “It all starts with the seniors and the upperclassmen bringing the intensity every day, and everyone else follows suit. We’re going to have to do things a little differently this year with no scrimmages against other teams, but we’re going to make the best of it and keep working.”
The Vikings will once again play in one of the most competitive conferences in the state — the Northeastern Hockey League. With conference foes like Peabody/Lynnfield Masconomet, Marblehead, Beverly/Danvers, Newburyport and Gloucester, Winthrop is going to have to bring its A-game to the ice each and every night.
“The league is an absolute buzzsaw, you’ve got to be ready to go every night,” said Martucci. “Sometimes the records don’t even show it because everyone beats up on each other all year.”
Winthrop was initially slated to start its season on Jan. 9 against Medford/Malden, but that game has been postponed. The Vikings will now open the season Jan. 13 (6) on the road against Gloucester.
“We’re just excited to get back on the ice and we’re very fortunate to be able to compete this year,” said Martucci. “We’re just going to enjoy it and try to make the most of our opportunity.”
