MARBLEHEAD — Record-wise, you could say it was a tough season for Marblehead’s boys hockey team, which went 5-14-1 under first-year coach Brendan Locke.
But despite the Headers falling short of a postseason berth in Division 3, there were plenty of highlights throughout the year. Marblehead opened its season 0-8-1, but was narrowly losing games. The Headers lost 5-3 against Beverly, 7-6 to Masconomet in overtime, and 4-3 to Gloucester.
When the Headers recorded their first win, against Danvers, it led to them winning three games in a row. The Red and Black scored revenge against Masconomet 4-3 and Gloucester 2-1.
One player who, frankly, enjoyed games when the pressure was on was sophomore Teddy Dulac, who netted 11 goals and dished out six assists. Two of his 11 goals were game-winning strikes, proving him a reliable scorer for Locke.
Earlier this year, Locke said he’d put Dulac’s skills against anyone in the Northeastern Conference.
“His puck skills and stick skills are excellent and I would put them up against anyone in the league,” Locke said. “He has a tremendous shot and he’s starting to — especially in the second half — learn how to put that all together and understand how to use his linemates, as well as how to use his own skillset to get in front of the net and get shots off. He is definitely one of our athletes who, kind of, drives the bus when it comes to setting the tone.”
On the girls side, Marblehead finished 5-13-2 and recorded some quality wins under head coach Jon Strzempek.
The Lady Headers won a nail-biter against Newburyport 2-1 in overtime. They also picked up wins against Barnstable (twice), Gloucester, and Concord-Carlisle.
The team has young stars who are not even in high school yet, showing the future is bright in Marblehead.
Eighth grader Nola Ferraresso was in net and made 574 saves for a 0.894 save percentage. In those narrow wins, it was Ferraresso who stepped up big time to ensure victories.
Her teammate, another eighth grader in Cassandra Aceto, led the team in goals and points. Aceto scored six goals and provided four assists to power Marblehead’s forward line.
The Headers will lose Nola Conley to graduation as the senior and assistant captain finished the season with three goals. Her leadership will be missed in the locker room and beyond.
Both teams were young, meaning there’s lots of potential for Locke and Strzempek to be excited about.
