WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High boys’ hockey team recently held their annual banquet where they honored their seniors, handed out team awards and thanked their sponsors for the 2024-25 season.
The Warriors fought through a schedule that was determined by an independent MIAA survey to be the toughest in the state through their first six games. Wakefield’s highlights in the regular season included wins against Burlington, Peabody/Saugus/Swampscott and a tie against Winthrop who is playing in the Div. 4 state championship this weekend.
Of course, the most memorable moment came in the first round of the Div. 3 state tournament as the 22nd-seeded Warriors upset No. 11 Methuen on the road, 5-1.
Senior captain Trevor Veilleux was named an All-Star after a fantastic season in which he played as both a defenseman and forward. Head coach John Vater commended Veilleux for being a true leader and dependable for whatever the coaches needed. Fellow senior captains George Palmer and Cam DePrizio were also shouted out for their leadership.
Vater relayed a story after the big, 3-2 road win over Burlington on Feb. 12 in which a ref commended the team for how far they had come since the beginning of the season. Wakefield’s improvement was certainly on display during their state tournament win, the only team among Wakefield High’s winter sports that secured a victory in an always difficult statewide tournament.
Five players earned team awards at the banquet.
Veilleux earned the Matthew J. Sardella Most Valuable Player Award.
Senior Ryan Metsis earned the Mark Delory Award.
The Coach Robert Miksen Award for unsung hero went to DePrizio who was injured at the beginning of the season but was able to experience tournament action in the second round.
Palmer earned the Richard S. Muse Jr. Award.
Senior Daegan Pothier earned the Red Sardona Scholar Athlete Award.
The team thanked a total of 19 advertisers who helped raise funds for the season:
The Robert Miksen Family (Trophy Level, $1000+) donated funds that helped provide practice uniforms for the varsity team.
The following businesses and families also generously sponsored the team this year:
Hat Trick Sponsors ($500): Bob’s Oil Co., PRT and Mel and Sons Oil Sales, Inc.
Full Sheet Sponsors ($250): Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield, Christopher J. Barrett Realtors, The Savings Bank, Guida Law Offices, P.C., Bay State Pest Control, Slice Pizza and More, Dynamik Sports, Keith’s Tree Service, Fahey Tire and Auto Service, Laurie’s 909 Neighborhood Pub, West Side Social Club, Lyv Realty, The Rocca/Hubbard Families.
Blue Line Sponsors ($100): Integral Hockey and Wakefield Fire Department.