Massachusetts High School Hockey Champions History
Massachusetts has been known as a hotbed for high school hockey for generations. It's a sport deeply embedded in the culture of the state, with passionate fans filling arenas to watch their local teams compete. Here, we take a look at the history of Massachusetts high school hockey champions, from the earliest days of the sport up to the present day.
Early Days of Massachusetts High School Hockey
The first high school hockey game in Massachusetts was played in 1913 between Hopkinton High School and Framingham High School. Over the next few years, more schools began to form teams and play against one another. By the 1920s, high school hockey had become a popular sport across the state.
1950s to 1970s: The Rise of High School Hockey
The 1950s saw the rise of high school hockey in Massachusetts, with more and more schools adding teams and competing against one another. The competition was fierce, with teams like Boston College High School, Belmont Hill School, and Malden Catholic High School dominating the ice.
During the 1960s and 1970s, teams from Massachusetts began to dominate the national scene. In 1967, Boston Latin School became the first Massachusetts team to win a New England Championship. In 1973, Hingham High School won the first-ever state championship for Division I.
1980s to 2000s: The Golden Age of Massachusetts High School Hockey
The 1980s saw an explosion of talent in Massachusetts high school hockey. Teams like Arlington Catholic High School, St. John's Prep, and Catholic Memorial High School dominated the ice, winning multiple state championships.
The 1990s and 2000s were dominated by Catholic Memorial High School, which won an incredible 12 state championships between 1989 and 2010. Other dominant teams during this era included Xaverian Brothers High School, Waltham High School, and Acton-Boxborough High School.
2010s to Present: The Current State of Massachusetts High School Hockey
Today, Massachusetts high school hockey is as strong as ever. In recent years, teams like Winchester High School, Austin Preparatory School, and Canton High School have won multiple state championships.
The region also produces a steady stream of talented players who move on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. NHL stars like Keith Yandle, Chris Wagner, and Charlie Coyle all got their start playing high school hockey in Massachusetts.
Conclusion
High school hockey has a long and storied history in Massachusetts, with countless teams and players leaving their mark on the sport. From the early days of the sport to the current era of dominance, Massachusetts high school hockey remains an important part of the state's sports culture.
