Massachusetts high school hockey has produced some of the NHL’s greatest players. Those NHL greats would probably tell you their favorite high school hockey memories were made while skating for their respective high school teams in the Mass. state tournament.
On Tuesday night, February 26, at the Ryan Arena in Watertown, two of the North End’s finest student athletes – Evan Frechette and Joe Bova – will look to make their own memories in the first round of the state tournament for the Boston Latin School Wolfpack.
North Enders Evan Frechette and First Team Dual County / Merrimack Valley All Star Joseph Bova led the Wolfpack to their regular season finish as co-champions of the always competitive Dual County / Merrimack Valley League. The team wrapped up with a 14-3-3 record and the fourth seed in the Division 2 North tournament bracket.
Bova, the first line junior centerman, has been an offensive force since lacing up his skates for Boston Latin as a freshman and it culminated this season with a First Team All Dual County / Merrimack Valley selection. Almost impossible to knock off the puck, Bova has made his living this season powering his way through opposing defenses and utilizing his deadly wrist shot to find the back of the net fourteen times (14 goals, 18 assists, 32 points). He was a crucial part of Boston Latin’s epic state tournament run a year ago that ended one game shy of the legendary Boston Garden ice. He’s hoping to build on last year’s tournament experience and remain an offensive force for the Wolfpack come Tuesday night.
If Bova is the smooth side of the sandpaper, then Frechette, the second line senior left winger is the gritty side. He’s not someone you see on the score sheet every night (7 assists on the season), but his persistence and blue collar work ethic does not go unnoticed. The defensive-minded forward earns his keep getting pucks deep, blocking shots and being a pest for loose pucks. Although a member of last year’s tournament team, the senior winger’s gritty physical style of play made him a spectator after a broken collarbone ended his junior season prior to the state tournament. With his health intact for this upcoming tournament, the senior is ready to put it all on the line for last tournament run!
Best of luck to the Boston Latin Wolfpack!
Editor’s Note: Since this article was published, Boston Latin Hockey went on to beat Somerville 4 -1 in the first round of the state tournament.
Congratulations to these two fine young men. Best of luck to both of them. They both display such gentlemen like qualities and posess such great talent. Good luck Boston Latin.
Congratulations to Evan, Joe and BLS on another successful season in hockey. You boys continue the legacy of North Enders achieving academic and athletic success at Boston Latin School. Good luck during the rest of the tournament. Sumus primi!
Go Joseph and Evan!!! And Go Wolfpack!!!
Congratulations! Joseph and Evan and the Wolfpack Team, I am so proud of you guys! Good luck Friday!!!!!!
When and where is the next game? How can I buy a ticket?