Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 23, 2021 East Coast Junior Patriots crowned co-ed hockey champions By Tara Vocino M embers of the East Coast Junior Patriots Boys’/Girls’ Hockey team won the Squirt East American AA championship, 4-3 against Brookline at the Malden Valley Forum Skating Rink on Tuesday. The 9/10U regional team, which features players from Malden, Revere, and Saugus, gave credit to Revere resident Dominic Rystrom, a forward, who scored the go-ahead goal with six minutes left in the third period, putting the Junior Patriots ahead, 4-3, according to Asst. Coach Joseph Hurley, of Malden. During the championship game, Cullity and Moura each scored a short-handed goal putting the Junior Pats up 2-0 during the second period. Brookline would battle back with three goals until Cullity scored with just minutes left to tie the game in the third period. Rystrom scored the winning goal from Hurley, leading to the championship win. Malden players Justin Hurley, a forward, had two assists, and Kevin Cullity, defense, scored two goals. Forward Kevin Moura, of Malden, also scored one goal. Hurley also credited Goalie Ryan Knox, of Malden, for making approximately 30 saves. “He’s also a big reason why we won,” Joseph Hurley said. “He played stellar.” For Knox, it took on a sentimental meaning. He played in memory of his late grandfather, Kenneth Pawl, who died this year. “I did it for him,” Knox said. “I knew he would have been proud of me.” Knox added he’s super pumped that they won the championship, and that it was a close game. “We scored goals and saves, just when we needed them,” Knox said. Cullity said it felt really good to win. However, he said it came naturally. “I wasn’t surprised,” Cullity said who scored 10 goals in three play-off games. “We had confi - dence.” Head Coach Gerry Visconti, of Revere, congratulated the entire team for working hard all year, In front of the trophy from left to right are, Forward Leah Whynot, Forward Brendan Skerry, Defense Rose Pietrzak, Defense James Rose, Forward Justin Hurley, Defense Jace Perreira, Goalie Ryan Knox, Forward Joseph Visconti, Forward Dominic Rystrom, Forward Brandon Whittaker, Forward Michael Hurley, Defense Kevin Cullity, Forward Jacob Sherlock, and Forward Kevin Moura. In back from left to right are, Assistant Coaches Joseph Hurley and Robert Whynot with Head Coach Gerry Visconti. Not pictured: Goalie Kendall Powers, Forward Domenic Diano, and Forward Luca Braga. leading to a winning championship. “It’s well deserved,” Visconti said. “They got better every practice, and every game.” Joseph Hurley said it’s the first time this team has won the championship, adding their teamwork and friendship played a role in the winter season. In the semi-fi nals, they won against Charlestown, 5-2, and Melrose, 5-4. Defenseman Jace Perreira, of Winthrop, said they played solid defense and off ense. Forward Justin Hurley, of Malden, added they played a strong game. Some of the players also won another championship earlier this month. Parent Robert Knox, of Malden, said, for the most part, it’s an once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. “They may never have this opportunity again,” Knox said. “They made our city proud.” Malden Mayor Gary Christenson said he is proud of the East Coast Junior Patriots, especially Goalie Ryan “Rydog” Knox, who made 30 big saves. “But I think the moment I will always remember was seeing Rydog’s father Robert Knox Jr.dancing to “Let It Whip” by The Dazz Band throughout the game,” Christenson said Wednesday. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, in back, congratulates Malden residents from left to right are, Rose Pietrzah, Kevin Moura, Kevin Cullity, Ryan Knox, Justin Hurley, Leah Whynot, and Brendan Sherry.(Courtesy photos, Asst. Coach Joseph Hurley)
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