Led By Grit And Unselfishness, Nauset Seniors Lifted Program To New Heights

BOSTON – Only one of the 12 teams that competed in the MIAA hockey state finals returned to TD Garden for a second consecutive state championship appearance.

Nauset learned how challenging it is to climb to the top of the mountain after it suffered a 1-0 loss to Marblehead in the 2024 Division 3 state title game. 

This year was different. 

The top-seeded Warriors earned the program’s first state championship after scoring four unanswered goals during the third period en route to a 4-1 victory over second-seeded Medfield on Sunday at TD Garden.

It was a storybook ending for the six Warriors seniors, who showcased a combination of grit, unselfishness and perseverance throughout the season. The seniors’ leadership helped cement Nauset among the state’s best — and most consistent — hockey programs. 

“It’s hard to put into words,” said Jack Martin, a senior defenseman from Yarmouth. “The season is so long and you go through so much. For it to end this way, it’s hard to comprehend that it’s over. 

“You’re on the ice for 10 minutes celebrating and then it’s over — but at least we’ve got smiles on our faces this year.”

Nauset’s state title run featured a level of dominance rarely seen in the Bay State. The Warriors outscored their five postseason opponents 31-2, reaching the Garden after cruising through the Division 3 bracket with lopsided victories over Middleboro (5-0), Danvers (9-0), Marblehead (5-1) and Scituate (8-0).

The seniors were at the forefront of the historic season. Forwards Logan Poulin (two goals) and Colin Ward (one goal) rose to the occasion up front, while Martin helped anchor the defense alongside fellow senior Andrew Bohannon. 

After splitting goaltending duties with classmate Matthew Swanson throughout the regular season, senior Zach Coelho was unstoppable between the pipes in postseason play.

While each of their performances helped elevate Nauset hockey to new heights, it also solidified a brotherhood that they will share for decades to come.

“I’m going to remember the friends I made,” said Coelho, a Truro native. “This has been the closest I’ve ever been to a hockey team. Everyone was awesome and welcoming and the community was great.”

Although the seniors will undoubtedly be missed, they will be credited and remembered for finishing the job on the ultimate stage. Nauset coach Connor Brickley is optimistic that their legacy will carry on when the Warriors return to Charles Moore Arena for the 2025-26 season. 

“I don’t see a Nauset team that’s never competitive and never going to be in the conversation,” said Brickley. “It’s a winning culture that we’re building with the team, and with that there’s big expectations. 

“It was a great season this year, and it will be a great catapult for what we’re aiming to accomplish in the future.”