Valicenti Cup losses can’t dim NEPSAC tourney hopes

Both the girls and boys varsity hockey teams represented Thayer well during the 27th annual Valicenti Cup held Feb. 28 at Valicenti Rink at the Thayer Sports Center. While the final scores might not have been ideal, the seasons for both teams are not done, as each squad has qualified for its respective NEPSAC postseason tournament. 

The girls team skated first Friday night and fell to Buckingham Browne & Nichols by a score of 7-4. Morgan McGathey ‘25 scored twice while Kate Sullivan ‘25 and Veronica Taylor ‘25 each added a goal. The boys played immediately afterwards and lost to archrival St. Sebastian’s in overtime; the final score was 2-1. Tommy Anderson ‘25 scored for the Tigers. 

The Friday night losses stung but were not enough to overshadow the strong seasons of both teams — seasons that will continue into the playoffs this week. Led by head coach Michael Flynn, the girls varsity team finished the season 19-5-2, the winningest season in program history.  They earned the top seed in the NEPSAC Patsy Odden (Large School) Tournament and will host St. Paul’s School Wednesday, March 5, at 4 p.m. at Valicenti Rink. 

The boys varsity team, led by head coach David Hymovitz ‘92, ended the season with a 15-12-1 record. They qualified for the NEPSAC Martin/Earl (Large School) Tournament and will travel to Avon Old Farms on Wednesday, March 5, at 4 p.m. for their first game. 

Held every year near the end of the regular season, the Valicenti Cup honors the life and legacy of Arthur T. Valicenti Jr. ‘51 P ‘75, ‘75, ‘77 GP ‘10, ‘14, Thayer’s longtime athletic director as well as coach of its football, hockey, and baseball programs. The Feb. 28 games saw big crowds, and Coach Valicenti’s grandchildren, Morgan Valicenti ‘10 and Olivia Valicenti ‘14, joined other members of the Valicenti family to award that night’s trophies.