The Hingham boys hockey team is rallying together after a significant injury to their captain and leading scorer, Cam McKenna. During a crucial match against No. 5 Arlington on January 11, 2024, McKenna dislocated his shoulder shortly after scoring a power play goal that tied the game at 1-1. Despite the setback, Hingham secured a 2-1 victory, improving their record to 8-2-1 following a previous loss to No. 1 Catholic Memorial.
McKenna’s injury casts a shadow over the team’s hopes for a state title, their first since 2015. “We just want to do it for him,” said junior forward Walter Dzavik, acknowledging McKenna’s vital role on the team. Senior captain Colman Donohue emphasized the depth of their roster, citing younger players like Dzavik and sophomore Nick Bigelow who are stepping up to fill the void.
Replacing a player of McKenna’s caliber is no easy task. At the time of his injury, he had played the most varsity games for Hingham, with 70 appearances, and led the team with nine goals and 71 career points. Despite this challenge, Hingham has showcased a balanced scoring approach throughout the season, supported by experienced players. Bigelow, the only non-upperclassman on the varsity roster, has already contributed significantly with 32 points in 35 career games.
Team Resilience and Emerging Stars
Head coach Tony Messina expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain their offensive output, stating, “We have so many experienced players… Guys are getting shots on net. Everyone is contributing one way or another.” The Harbormen have demonstrated this resilience in their first two games without McKenna, where they achieved a commanding 7-0 victory over Needham, followed by a 4-2 win against St. Mary’s of Lynn.
In the match against Needham, six players found the net, showcasing the team’s depth. Dzavik and Bigelow each scored in the victory over St. Mary’s, while Donohue and Carroll provided crucial assists. Quinn Allen has stepped up to fill McKenna’s position on the top line, quickly establishing chemistry with his new linemates.
The Harbormen’s third line, featuring junior John Walsh, McCarthy, and senior Brian Murray, has also been instrumental, contributing to key games earlier in the season. With the team’s fourth line making significant contributions as well, there is a collective confidence in their ability to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead: State Championship Aspirations
Hingham’s previous playoff experiences serve as motivation for this year’s campaign. Last year, they were upset in the second round by No. 14 St. John’s of Shrewsbury, a loss that the team is determined to learn from. “We take last year’s loss in the playoffs as motivation,” Donohue noted, stressing the importance of focus and preparation for each game.
As they navigate the remainder of the season, the Harbormen are committed to maintaining high spirits and unity. “With all the seniors this year, we’ve done a good job staying up with each other,” Dzavik added. The team’s depth and experience will be crucial as they aim to secure a state title and honor McKenna’s contributions despite his absence on the ice.
Looking to the future, Hingham will participate in the Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament, which features strong competition among the state’s top public school teams. As they prepare for this challenge, the Harbormen are eager to validate their status as serious contenders, driven by their collective determination and talent across all lines.
In the face of adversity, the Hingham boys hockey team remains focused on their ultimate goal: bringing home a championship while rallying around their injured leader.
