Massachusetts High School Hockey State Champions History
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Massachusetts, and high school teams have been competing for the state championship since 1934. The competition is fierce, and each team has to work hard to earn the title of state champion. In this article, we will take a look at the history of Massachusetts high school hockey state champions.
1934-1940: The Early Years
The first Massachusetts high school hockey state championship was held in 1934. That year, Brookline High School defeated Newton High School 1-0 to become the first state champion. From 1935-1940, Brookline High School went on to win the championship every year. These early years of the championship laid the foundation for what would become an enduring tradition.
1940s-1960s: The Expansion of the Sport
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the number of schools participating in the championship grew. It wasn't until the 1960s that the championship was divided into separate divisions: North and South. Prior to this, all schools in the state competed in a single championship. In the first North-South championship, Winchester High School defeated Plymouth-Carver High School to become the North champions and Medford High School defeated Mansfield High School to become the South champions.
1970s-1980s: The Rise of the Public Schools
In the 1970s, the dominance of private schools in the championship was challenged by public schools. Public school teams began to invest in their programs, hiring experienced coaches and recruiting talented players. The competition became more intense, and public schools began to win more frequently.
1990s-2000s: The Turn of the Century
In the 1990s and 2000s, the championship continued to be dominated by public schools. Some private schools, such as Catholic Memorial School and St. John's High School, remained competitive, but the majority of champions were public schools. During this time, the championship also began to incorporate girls' teams, who competed in their own division.
2010s-Present: The Modern Era
In recent years, the championship has become more competitive than ever. Private schools, such as BC High School and Xaverian Brothers High School, continue to be strong contenders, but public schools have also stepped up their game. Girls' teams have also continued to compete, with many of them winning championships in their division. The 2020 championship was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but teams are looking forward to the 2021 season.
Conclusion
Over the years, the Massachusetts high school hockey state championship has grown from a small competition to a major sporting event. The competition has seen many talented players and teams, and each year brings new excitement and surprises. As we look to the future, it is clear that the championship will continue to be a beloved tradition for generations to come.
