By Chris Storer
Community Contributor
In the Foxboro Junior High league, Medfield hockey continued its winning tradition, with the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade teams clinching regular-season titles in their respective divisions and advancing to their championship games. Following a victory by the 6th graders and a narrow one-goal loss for the 8th graders two days earlier, the 7th grade team faced off against Walpole in the final, aiming to defend their championship title after a come-from-behind win over Taunton in the 2023 matchup.
During a season marked by numerous early scoring opportunities for top-seeded Medfield, evidenced by a division-leading +36 goal differential, the underdog Walpole team seized control early, dominating much of the first five minutes of play in the opening period. Alexander Bird demonstrated his usual strong goaltending skills, fending off a barrage of shots, rebounds, and cross-crease passes. Spectators anxiously awaited the first goal in an arena fraught with tension.
With 12 minutes remaining in the opening period, Tyler Zannella capitalized on a defensive zone turnover to launch a breakaway for Medfield. Cooper Baughman capitalized on his own rebound, netting the opening goal of the game, igniting cheers from the Medfield supporters. Less than a minute later, Baughman assisted Owen Fessenden, whose powerful shot from the point was initially deflected by the Walpole goalie, only for Baughman to score again on the rebound, extending Medfield's lead to 2-0.
In a display of Medfield's characteristic scoring prowess, less than two minutes later, defender Caroline Polak forced a turnover, leading to a goal by Nolan O’Keefe, putting Medfield ahead 3-0.
Subsequently, Walpole regrouped, showcasing solid goaltending and offensive pressure to narrow the gap with a goal assisted by two turnovers in the neutral zone. The Walpole fans' fervor reverberated throughout the arena as their team fought to overcome the two-goal deficit.
With six minutes remaining in the second period, O’Keefe assisted Leah Carlson, who skillfully executed a backhand shot to extend Medfield's lead to 4-1. However, Walpole responded promptly with an unexpected long-range shot that eluded Bird, bringing the score to 4-2 and energizing the Walpole supporters.
Yet, Walpole's momentum was halted as Bird made a series of remarkable saves, denying Walpole any further goals. Medfield secured victory with goals from Beckett Storer and Sam Paris, ultimately triumphing 7-2 and clinching their second consecutive championship trophy amidst jubilant celebrations in the post-game locker room.
