WAKEFIELD — Wakefield High boys’ hockey senior captain Trevor Veilleux was voted to the All-Star team by the Middlesex League’s coaches.
Veilleux’s last season as a four-year varsity player started out like his previous three as he led Wakefield’s defense with strong play from the blue line. As the Warriors moved on, head coach John Vater moved Veilleux up to forward to help spark Wakefield’s offense.
Veilleux thrived at forward, setting up his teammates and showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
“This was a big factor for our push late in the season,” said Vater about the switch. “Once he figured out what I wanted from him as a forward it clicked and our offensive push was fun to watch the last 3-4 weeks.”
Veilleux had a goal and 2 assists in Wakefield’s upset of Methuen in the first round of the Div. 3 state tournament.
His playmaking was a factor in every close game and victory for the Warriors this season including 2 assists in a 3-2 road win at Burlington and 2 assists in a 2-2 tie at Lexington. He had a hat trick in a close, 5-4 loss to Melrose.
Overall, Veilleux’s All-Star season included plenty of points, highlights and leadership.
“He is a leader of men,” said Vater. “He is not the most outspoken captain — he generally leads by example, with conviction. His relentless will to improve was special.
“He also had a great mental approach to his game. He was constantly wanting to game plan with his coaches. His teammates always had the respect for him as their leader. He’s a great character kid and a good communicator. Just a kid who wants the best for his teammates.”
The Warriors worked through injuries and an always-grueling schedule against some of the best teams in the state who all happen to reside in the Middlesex League. The Warriors went 2-16-2 in the regular season but still comfortably made the state tournament thanks to their strength of schedule. Seeded No. 22, they knocked off No. 11 Methuen 5-1 at Methuen High in the first round before falling to No. 6 Bedford 5-0 in the Round of 16.