RallyNorth.net

Swampscott trying for title

Wednesday, February, 06 By Phil Stacey
Sports editor

Swampscott head coach Geno Faia, in the postseason for the first time in his eight years behind the Big Blue's bench, talking about his seniors and the travails they went through to earn this postseason bid:

"These were kids who were thrown into the (varsity) fire when they were freshmen. They weren't ready for it; at that time, it was more about necessity," said Faia, his team 9-4-3. "They've worked extremely hard over four years and taken their lumps, but they never stopped striving for that goal of making the playoffs.

"Last year's experience | needing one point over our last three games and not getting it | was something that really fueled them this season. They've now reached that goal | but there are a few others we'd still like to accomplish."

One of those would be Swampscott's first-ever Northeastern Conference hockey title. The Big Blue, who lead the NEC Small, have never won one | although they did capture the North Shore League title in 1958 and 1963.

Swampscott currently leads the NEC Small at 6-3-3 (15 points) and has two league games remaining against Salem and Marblehead, both of whom the Big Blue have already beaten. Win those two games, and the worst they can do is a tie for the crown. Saugus (6-4-1) sits two points in back of Swampscott with three games | vs. Salem, Lynn and Winthrop | left to play.