Whiz Team: Medford Girls U-10 Hockey

Fifteen girls, one heartbreaking overtime loss. 

The Medford recreation girls under-10 hockey team placed first in its division and fought hard in its championship game, with the final score 3-2 in overtime.

But winners are not born in one game. These girls became winners by working hard in practice twice a week, and by building on their skills in games. The girls had to balance practice, homework, and other responsibilities, and learned good discipline in the process.

Coaches Mike Allen and Dom Vigliotte worked with the girls to craft a group that emphasized teamwork.  They even rotated through every position, including goalie. 

Kathleen Lazzaro says, "They taught the girls that they were a team and that no player was more important than another. The team was genuinely excited for a goal whether it was someone's first goal of the season or if it was their fifth goal."

Such a team-based approach forged friendships across different grades and different schools. The keys to the team's awesomeness are the girls' determination and positive attitude.  Like most Boston teams, they're probably saying, "Wait till next season."

"I think these girls will carry this experience as a team with them to other parts of their lives, whether it is on another sports team, or working on a group project, or in school," Kathleen said.

So congratulations to the girls U-10 hockey team, and their coaches and families! Medford can be proud that, win or lose, these girls keep playing like champs.