Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Boys Hockey Battles Stoneham to the End

By |

Watertown/Wayland gave up two goals 39 seconds apart early in the first period Saturday afternoon against the visiting Stoneham Spartans, and that early deficit turned out to be too hard a mountain to climb as Watertown/Wayland fell to 1-8 on the season (0-6 in the league) in a 5-2 loss at the JAR. Both teams came into the game wanting and needing a Middlesex League win, as Stoneham entered the game 1-5 in league play. Two shifts in, it looked like both teams came ready to play, as skating was fast and determination strong. But, in a blink of an eye Watertown broke down in their own end, forcing Watertown/Wayland goalie Findlay MacDonald to face unstoppable challenges at 2:01 and 2:40 to give Stoneham a 2-0 lead. Watertown/Wayland was given two power play opportunities down 2-zip, but they couldn’t cash in. Three minutes after the second power play, Watertown gave Stoneham their first of the afternoon and they did cash in 43 seconds into the power play to make it 3-0 after one period of play.  

Team sports provides such wonderful opportunities to young athletes to experience so many great things.  Every experience is made better by winning, of course, but not everyone is meant to — win, that is. Watertown/Wayland has a record that says they are a bad team at 1-8. From my vantage point, that’s not the case. But, the truth in sports is not always fair. Watertown/Wayland has good players, they play hard, and they never give up. The problem is they are young, somewhat undersized and still developing their skills. 

All that is a way of saying there is very little room for error, and quite often it requires extraordinary feats to compete. Saturday, for example, MacDonald in net had an excellent game by any standards. He made any number of saves where he had to stand on his head, and if he hadn’t the game would not have been close.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Boston Gold Kings Return to the Ice from Holiday Break in Style

By |

Power Play Senior Hockey action returned to the John A. Ryan Arena on the first Saturday night after the New Year, pitting the hometown Boston Gold Kings (BGK) versus the Holyoke Papermen. The Gold Kings started the night in second place, and by the end of the night they were still there thanks to an offense that clicked early and often, and a sterling performance from goaltender Mike Cowell. Final score of this one was BGK 7 and Holyoke 2. To say that the BGK’s dominated from start to finish is probably a little bit of hyperbole, but they scored 53 seconds in and again 6 minutes later to take a 2-0 lead, and they never looked back.  Goals were courtesy of a Brandon Garneau breakaway and a G.J. Grinnell backhander off a pretty feed from Matt Baldino. Holyoke mustered 10 shots in the period, but didn’t consistently threaten. They scored their only goal of the night (until a garbage-time goal with a minute left in the game) when a BGK breakdown allowed Papermen forward Sean Egan to finish a play that teammate J.D. Anderson started, with Cowell left out to dry. So, 2-1 after one period, but it didn’t feel that close. The Gold Kings made sure the score reflected their control of the game in the second period, with a three-goal flurry in the span of 7 minutes. J.T. Freedman, Dave Mackenzie and a power play goal by Matt Baldino accounted for the scoring. Defenseman Mackenzie was especially active at both ends, all night long, and was one of the stars of the game with two goals and an assist. Late in the period, and with a 5-1 lead, the Gold Kings committed back to back penalties and provided the Papermen with a 5-on-3 opportunity and a chance to get back in the game.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Boston Gold Kings Explode for 8 Goals, Break a Two-Game Losing Streak

By |

The Boston Gold Kings(BGK), essentially the Watertown Gold Kings and one of five teams in the Power Play Senior Hockey League (PPSHL) Northeast Division, returned home to the John A. Ryan Arena Saturday night to take on the Salem Sasquatch. The Gold Kings had lost the past two weeks on the road, but remained in second place after 7 games. This was the second time these two teams were meeting this season — the Sasquatch won the first game 5-4 at home back on Nov. 8. Tonight was a different story, as the Gold Kings defeated Salem 8-4. Things didn’t start out well, as BGK was assessed a bench minor before the game even began — they submitted their lineup card after the time required to do so — and Salem took advantage scoring a power play goal only 77 seconds into the game. But BGK recovered and controlled play throughout most of the period. That translated into three goals, two on the power play courtesy of Matt Baldino and Brandon Garneau. Forty-three-year-old defensemen Jon Lounsbury scored the other goal; 3-1 BGK after one period. Evan Morelli was in net for the Gold Kings, and Keegan McGlaughlin for the Sasquatch.

Sports

Watertown Boys Hockey Seeks Another Tourney Bid, Season Begins at Belmont on Satuday

By |

The Watertown hockey team seeks another trip to the State Tournament in 2025-26. Here the Raiders celebrate a 4-3 double overtime victory over Pembroke in the MIAA Div. 3 State Tournament. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown boys hockey team faces off with Belmont on Saturday in the first regular season game of the year. The Raiders look to return to the State Tournament and make a run as they have in recent years.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Gold Kings Win Overtime Thriller at Ryan Arena on Military Appreciation Night

By |

The Boston Gold Kings won an overtime thriller Saturday night at John A. Ryan Arena, 6-5 over the Norfolk Mallards. 

But, before the game details take over this column, lets catch up on who the Boston Gold Kings are and the league they play in. For those still learning about the league and the team, the following (re)introduction: the Power Play Senior Hockey League (PPSHL), is comprised of teams in a close range demographic throughout central New England. This is a Full contact Pro Style hockey league where players will get to continue their hockey journey without the feeling of settling for men’s league hockey. Teams play on the weekend only, occasionally Saturday & Sunday, but typically one day or the other. Teams are individually owned and operated by owners, not by the PPSHL. Current teams

Boston Gold Kings

Holyoke Paper Men

Hudson Valley Reapers

Norfolk Mallards

Salem Sasquatch

The Gold Kings are essentially Watertown’s team, despite being “Boston.” Since their inception, the Gold Kings have played their games (as well as practiced) at John A. Ryan Arena and have been a presence at local events such as Faire on the Square. They also work hard at being a positive citizen in the community, and on Saturday night, in game five of the still early ’25-26 season, the Gold Kings stuck to their model by honoring the Military in pre-game festivities. 

Included in their efforts was: the presentation of the Color Guard courtesy of the Shutt Detachment Marine Corps League & VFW Post 1105, a ceremonial puck drop by Lincoln Rocca, young son of parents and proud veterans of the U.S. Army, Tony & Kendra Rocca, and the introduction of four hockey players on the ice Saturday night who have served, three with the U.S. Army and one with the National Guard. The Gold Kings also ran an auction and raffle, with proceeds going to Operation American Soldier. This was a wonderful show of support and appreciation by the Gold Kings, and kudos to them! On to the hockey game!

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Watertown’s “Own” Boston Gold Kings Start Title Defense with a Wild Win

By |

The Boston Gold Kings play hockey in the Power Play Senior Hockey League (PPSHL). The Gold Kings also happen to make Watertown their home, playing their home games at the John A.Ryan Arena. The Gold Kings have worked hard to make a footprint in the community the past few years, making appearances at Faire on the Square, for example. And the Gold King’s sponsor list includes many Watertown businesses. The Power Play Senior Hockey League, Northeast Region, added a fifth team for the 2025 season, adding Hudson Valley to go along with Salem, Holyoke, Norfolk, and the Gold Kings. In the ’24 playoffs, the Gold Kings swept Holyoke in the semis did the same to top-seed Salem in the finals. On Saturday night, Boston and Holyoke got the ’25 season started, and it was a wild ride indeed, with the Gold Kings prevailing 7-6 on a game-winner with 1:20 to go in regulation. Now the PPSHL plays three 20 minute periods, just like pro leagues. It’s a full-checking league, and even fighting is allowed. Four officials suit up as further evidence of the seriousness of the competition. Rosters are made up of professionals, as in professionals in other aspects of life, and who love the sport of hockey and want to continue playing in something more competitive than a Tuesday night league that skates for an hour at 10 p.m., fully equipped with cold pucks and cold ones in the cooler.

Sports

Gold Kings Hockey Hosting Exhibition Game, Free Admission

By |

The champions return to the ice in Watertown on Sept. 27 for an exhibition game against the Salem Sasquatch. Admission is free for the game, which begins at 8:35 p.m.

Last season, the Gold Kings clinched the Power Play Senior Hockey League title at John A. Ryan Arena last April. The team fought back to complete a 5-4 come from behind victory over Salem in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals. The semi-pro team heads into its third season in 2025-26.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Oktoberfest, Puppet Show, Armenian BBQ, Hockey & Forest Bathing

By |

It’s looking like a sunny and entertaining weekend in town! The slower summer weekends are past, and our event venues are definitely in the eventing mood. I’m sorry to tell you that the New England AcroFest is sold out (Give that a search if you haven’t heard of it.), but there is more enjoyment to be had. Why wait for October to celebrate Oktoberfest? The Mighty Squirrel Brewery will be at it all weekend, including a stein holding competition on Friday evening and an oompah band on Saturday afternoon.