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The least experienced team in town had a rough start to the season.
But their dedicated coaches, Sean Campbell, Sam Steere, and Jeff Rotella and especially the team, fought their way up to the number two seed in the division of 9 teams, with a record of 15 wins, 9 losses, and 3 ties.
Last weekend, the Raiders defeated Charlestown (7th seed) and a rival, Melrose (6th seed), both with a score of 5-1. This led the team to the Central American Division Final.
Who were they facing?
None other than their arch nemesis, the Brookline Warriors, who had shut out their past two opponents, 6-0. The final game was set for Malden on the morning of March 31.
Brookline took an early lead in the first period. However, Coach Campbell prepared the kids for a comeback. In the third period, Liam Caffrey tied the game with assist by Anton Sodervall. Then with less than 4 minutes left, Eddie Zeng scored the winning goal with an assist by Liam. The team went wild after their 2-1, win and the Raiders took home the 2018 Valley Hockey League championship.
The members of the championship team: Head coach Sean Campbell, assistant coaches Sam Steere and Jeff Rotella. Players Chase Murphy, Liam Caffrey, Conor Campbell, Greg Derenzo, Aidan Greene, Charlie Griswold, Jacob Loomis, Alasdair McDonough, Nolan Morton, Jude Ramsden, Jack Rotella, Armaan Singh, Anton Sodervall, Sam Steere, Eddie Zeng.
