Redemption for WHS Student Section at Monday Game

Following an ugly opening round win, the Wilmington High School boys hockey team redeemed itself impressively with a pair of easy playoff wins. But the Wildcat skaters aren't the only ones who have earned redemption this postseason.

There were multiple issues with the crowd during the team's quarterfinal round victory at Stoneham Arena. Among the issues was the sequence at the end of the game, when students threw items onto the playing surface.

But at Monday night's North Division 2 semifinal contest, the Wildcat faithful turned things around.

Nearly all of the students attended the game in business attire, with the male fans wearing dress shirts and ties in the stands. From the get go, the crowd was on its game. Students sang along with the National Anthem and when Lincoln-Sudbury's starting line up was announced, Wilmington's fans turned and faced the back wall of the arena, looking away from the ice.

Chants during the game included "it's too easy" as the Wildcats started to pull away and "that's a touchdown" when they pushed their lead to 6-0. At one point, the Lincoln-Sudbury section began the chant of "LS hockey." Once they wrapped up their version, Wilmington's fans started their own "LS hockey" chant, playfully mocking their opponent as the Warriors were getting blown out in the game.

The fans will have at least one more chance to continue their road to redemption. Wilmington plays Danvers on Monday night in Lowell.

Are you a big fan of the Wildcats? You'll also want to see:

• Highlights: Boys Hockey Throttles Lincoln-Sudbury
• Dominating Performance Returns Wilmington to North Final
• Highlights: Wilmington Skates to Quarterfinal Win
• Late Surge Moves Girls Basketball Into North Semifinal
• Wildcats Hockey Bounces Back to Earn Semifinal Berth
• Wildcats 'Learn How to Win' Under Coach Jay Keane
• Wilmington Boys Hockey Opens With Ugly Playoff Win