State Champion Headers Thank Their Community

The following is a letter submitted by Ben Koopman, Jake Kulevich, Ryan Dempsey and Chris McLeod, Captains of Marblehead High School’s Boys’ Hockey Team:  

On behalf of the 2010-2011 hockey team, we would like to acknowledge all of those involved for the tremendous support towards our run to the .

We would like to thank our coaches: Bob Jackson, Mark Tarmey, Tom Colby, Pat Flynn and Gary Conn, who not only through their dedication and support made us better hockey players but more importantly better young men. You maintained our focus on winning the State Championship while instilling the value of good sportsmanship, respect and friendship. You are truly mentors and role models to all of us and for that we are forever grateful.

We would like to thank our parents, grandparents and siblings. Your commitment, support and encouragement to us throughout the years enabled us to fully enjoy our Marblehead High School Hockey experience. This lifetime memory would not have been possible without you!

We would like to thank Principal Ken Weinstein and his staff for their unwavering support as well as Athletic Director Mark Tarmey and Pat Magee for their tireless efforts, and Howie for transporting us safely to all our destinations.  A high five goes out to our Trainer Nick for keeping us patched up and on the ice and to Tom Sullivan for replenishing our fluids and to Carl, our superfan! Thanks to Jack Clough for taking on the role of manager and being a huge part of the team and to the Hockey cheerleaders whose dedication and commitment to us was second to none in any sport, against any team and in any freezing rink!

Thank you to the Friends of Marblehead Hockey who have bee extremely generous and supportive to us. The success of the program is in large part to your efforts.

A special thanks to the Marblehead High School hockey fans. Your support throughout the entire season and especially into the tournament was awesome. To see the waves of red, hear the boisterous cheering and experience the overall spirit of the student body provided us with enormous pride as we paved our way to the championship.

Thank you to Owen Boss of the Marblehead Patch for the terrific coverage you gave us all season long.

A special thanks to the Marblehead Police and Fire Departments for their escorts into and around town after our Championship game. It was the most exhilarating bus ride we’ve ever experienced.

To Hunter and Alex Whitmore, Tyler Gelineau, Hunter Graves, Bendon Lydon and Tony Cuzner you are terrific teammates and more importantly friends for life.  To the underclassmen; Mike Harper, Austin Haley, Ian Maag, Ty Bates, Tom Koopman, Liam Gillis, Cam Rowe, Ben Katzman, Aaron DeAngelo, Will Hughes and Trevor Jones we thank you for all your contributions and friendships and look forward to watching your continued success and dedication in carrying out the Marblehead High School Hockey tradition.

 PROUD TO BE A HEADER,

Ben Koopman, Jake Kulevich, Ryan Dempsey and Chris McLeod