By Cary Shuman
The East Boston High School hockey team fell to Ashland, 5-0, in the championship game of the East Boston Savings Bank/East Boston High School Deep Freeze Tournament on Dec. 27 at Porrazzo Rink.
Coach Ken Guittarr’s Jets, who had defeated O’Bryant in the opener, challenged Ashland with testing shots throughout the game, but Ashland goaltender and tournament MVP Mike Lowd made 17 saves to keep the Jets off the scoreboard.
The tournament raised funds for breast cancer research and honored the memory of Mrs. Jacalyn “Jackie” Anthony, wife of former EBHS hockey coach Bob Anthony. Mrs. Anthony was a strong supporter of breast cancer charities and the tournament has been a great vehicle to raise awareness about the cause.
Mrs. Anthony’s daughter, Carrie Brangiforte, and son-in-law, EBHS Principal Phil Brangiforte, and their family were in attendance at the tournament and helped present the team and individual trophies in a ceremony following the championship game.
Carrie Brangiforte thanked the four teams, East Boston, Ashland, O’Bryant, and Revere for their participation in the 15th annual tournament.
“It’s always a good turnout and the teams come here with heart, which means a lot to us every year,” said Brangiforte. “It’s a lot harder to be here without my mother, but I know she is here in spirit.”
Brangiforte said her mother worked hard to support the charity. The tournament has raised between $60,000-$70,000 for breast cancer and the Boston Medical Center (BMC).
“Right up to the end, my mother did a lot of work for this cause,” said Brangiforte. “That’s why we continue to hold this tournament, for her. This tournament meant a lot to her. All the proceeds go to the BMC and it has done a lot for our family, for myself, for my mother and my father, so it means a lot to be able to give back.”
Brangiforte thanked the East Boston Savings Bank for its generous support of the tournament.
“East Boston Savings Bank is always there for us every year,” said Brangiforte. “We also thank the players, the coaches, the fans – they’re all big supporters. I know my mom is looking down and smiling at this tournament. I miss her every day, but she knows what’s going on.”