67 years have passed since Lynn English hockey dominated the ice against any foe. The time feels right to bring back an everlasting memory of the 1956 and 1957 Bulldogs that captured the North Shore League Championship and the Massachusetts State Championship each of those years.
Jim O’Brien was a right winger for each of these teams, and the memory of both these teams still brings a smile to his face.
“It was such a great time being a part of hockey back then in Lynn,” O’Brien said. “I was lucky enough to be on both these teams, as everyone lived and breathed hockey on each of these squads. It was amazing how much attention we all got back then for being on the team, and even years later.”
Ernie Carpenter was also a winger for the Bulldogs in ‘56 and ‘57. He expressed similar sentiments about this time in his life.
“It was just such an exciting time back then,” Carpenter said. “To this day, I still have people talk to me about those two years and how awesome it was that I was a part of those teams. It truly was a fun time, and anytime I think or talk about those years, it brings me true joy.”
O’Brien had no problem explaining how talented each of these teams were.
“I mean we accomplished the main goal both years, winning the North Shore Conference, and the state championship,” O’Brien said. “But man, we were deep. I barely played in ‘56, and we went undefeated that season. Despite all our success, the competition was tough, so it was not easy.”
Carpenter also was impressed by both teams’ talent but had a slightly different take.
“I must say the hockey in the North Shore area back then was competitive, but no team could touch us,” Carpenter said. “Our squads played together so long, well before high school, that we were just a well-oiled machine when we got to ‘56.”
Carpenter felt a big reason why each of these teams had success, other than talent, was their true love of the game.
“We had practice scheduled from 6-7 a.m., during the week, but we would all show up at 3 a.m., to get a true practice in,” Carpenter said. “It was not like the coach was making us show up back then, we just loved to be on the ice and play.”
O’Brien felt the exact same way.
“No matter the day or time, we would all look to get on the ice and play hockey,” O’Brien said. “I think that is what made this group so unique, and why we accomplished what we did.”
One of the more vivid memories O’Brien had during these years was the size of the crowds every time they stepped onto the ice.
“I just remember playing all of our games at the North Shore SportsCenter, and the place was always packed when we played,” O’Brien said. “It always amazed me how much support and how many people wanted to see us play game in and game out. Seeing that type of crowd was always exciting.”
Carpenter had the same feeling when it came to gameday.
“I remember one time looking into the crowd and seeing my neighbor,” Carpenter said. “I had to ask my dad after the game if it was our neighbor, and he told me yes. My father also told me he just wanted to watch you and the team play. I will never forget that feeling.”
These two teams worked hard, but were also extremely talented.
“We had the chance to play against Boston University before the ‘57 season started, and we ended up losing by just one goal,” O’Brien said. “BU scored in the last minutes to break the tie, but being able to hold our own against a college team showed us just how good we really were.”
Carpenter always felt that the ‘56 team was the best.
“I mean we went undefeated, but this team was special,” Carpenter said. “Don’t get me wrong, we were great in ‘57 too, but we were untouchable in ‘56. No one could beat us, and they knew it.”
The game of hockey will forever remain an important part of O’Brien’s life, even though his playing days are over.
“I played at Merrimack College after high school, and my love of hockey never faded,” O’Brien said. I played hockey off and on until I turned 70 years old. In 2000, I played in the first Senior Olympics, and we won the gold medal.”
Carpenter’s love of the game never waned either.
“I did not play collegiately, but I still got on the ice when I could,” Carpenter said. “My feelings and love for this game will never go away, even now only as a spectator.”
O’Brien and Carpenter kept saying two words when describing the ‘56 and ‘57 teams: “Rink Rats.” That will never change.
