WHS boys hockey team focused as playoffs near

Regardless of the sport, there are bound to be ups and downs throughout a season.

The Waltham High School boys hockey team has experienced this firsthand over the course of the winter. The season could not have started off much better as the Hawks rattled off wins in their first nine games. The team has experienced the other side of the coin over the last few weeks, however, losing its last four games. 

Relying on strong leadership, the team is determined not to let the losses dampen its spirit as the state tournament approaches. 

“One portion is health-related and the other part is just becoming mentally tough,” head coach Chris Maguire said. “We are going through a bit of a rough phase right now, but we are going to get a few key pieces back soon. The biggest piece for our team is just being mentally ready to turn the page every single day and focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, we want to peak at the right time.” 

The players understand that rough patches are inevitable during a lengthy season. 

“Having a lull at some point in the season was bound to happen,” Maguire said. “If we can catch our stride and be playoff ready, it is ultimately going to lead to our goals that we set at the beginning of the year.” 

The Hawks have remained committed all year to keeping their focus on the next shift, a mentality that will serve them well as the group looks to climb out of the slump.

“Our team motto this year has been 1-0,” said Maguire. “That doesn’t just apply to the games, it applies to every practice, every shift and every period. We just try to focus on small, incremental time periods as it shortens your memory with things that happened in the past. It is all about that next play. Every play has a life span and a history. If you can quickly forget, move on, and learn from things, it is going to lead to more success. We are also focused on staying together as a team.” 

One major boost will be the return of Timmy O’Toole. The senior captain has been out for a few weeks due to a leg injury, and getting him back in the lineup will be a massive help to the team’s offense.

“Having him back on the bench as a leader is a key piece for us, too,” Maguire said. “It is going to create the spark that we need to get back into the win column and add to that offensive ability that we showed early on this year.”

Waltham’s next game will take place tomorrow night as the Hawks host Tewksbury at Veterans Memorial Skating Rink at 7:00 p.m. WHS will be looking to avenge the 6-1 defeat it suffered at the hands of the Redmen last month.