Falmouth Hockey Wins in Emotional Return After Deaths of 2 Players

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth High School hockey team won its first game Wednesday since the deaths of two players in a car crash. Seventeen-year-olds James Lavin and Owen Higgins, best friends since high school, were killed December 22 as they drove home from hockey practice.

The deaths shook the community. Over $100,000 in donations poured in for scholarships in the boys' names. The Boston Bruins honored the teens by hanging jerseys behind their bench during a recent game.

On Wednesday, the Falmouth hockey team defeated Dennis-Yarmouth, 5-0. Tickets to the game were free; hundreds of additional donations were made to the scholarship funds instead.

"We have lost two extraordinary gentlemen who will never be forgotten," Falmouth school officials said in a statement.

The team added a black memorial ribbon on its home ice with the boys' Nos. 10 and 19 and their nicknames, "Lav" and "Higgy."

Lavin was "the best person we knew," his family said, and Higgins "lit up life," according to his.

Lavin and Higgins played football and in December they led Falmouth High School to a state title.

Classmates have held several memorial gatherings to honor the pair.

"The most important thing we can do for our children is be supportive," Falmouth schools Superintendent Nancy Taylor said.

• James Lavin Fundraiser
• Owen Higgins Fundraiser

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• Falmouth Star Athletes James Lavin, Owen Higgins Killed in Crash
• James Lavin 'The Best Person We Knew,' Family Says
• Falmouth Star Athlete Owen Higgins 'Lit Up Life'
• Boston Bruins Honor Falmouth Hockey Players Killed in Crash

Photo: The Boston Bruins honor Falmouth's James Lavin and Owen Higgins during the team's game against the Buffalo Sabres December 31, 2016. (Credit: Boston Bruins)