A so-called young varsity sports team primarily consists of freshmen and sophomores, but very rarely does a middle school student get a spot on a high school varsity team — nevermind see playing time. According to the MIAA, middle school students usually do not play for a high school team anyways.
However there are exceptions.
During the 2014-2015 preseason, the now 3-4-4 Rebels lacked numbers with only 15 players, including five rookie freshmen. In addition, for the first time since the team’s formation in 2007, the Rebels did not qualify for the state tournament last year and managed only two wins all season. To provide more depth for a team looking to rebuild after a difficult season, Head Girls Hockey Coach Joe Verderber explored the exception to the middle school rule to allow two eighth graders, Camryn Murphy and Meghan Hamilton, to skate for his Varsity team.
Murphy, a goalie, follows in the footsteps of starting goalie, sophomore Francesca Bonanno, and works with the team in practices. Although she usually does not see any ice-time, she provides the team the opportunity to simulate game-like situations in practice with an extra goalie.
“Its definitely harder because of shots and the speed of the game, but it’s fun and I feel like it helps improve my game against my regular team,” said Murphy.
Hamilton meanwhile plays on the second forward line along with her older sister, junior Kate Hamilton.
“I was a little nervous [going into the season],” Meghan said, “but it helped having my sister on the team and great captains and coaches to work with.”
The Hamilton sisters proved to be a good combo on January 4 in a tie game against Archbishop Williams as Kate assisted younger sister Meghan for her first varsity goal.
“It felt good to score my first goal. I like being able to help out the team,” said the younger Hamilton.
The following week on January 10, Meghan assisted Kate for the second goal in the Rebels’ victory against Milton. After losing to Needham and Wellesley, and tying Natick and Archbishop Williams the same week, the Hamilton sisters helped break the unlucky streak ensuring the win against Milton.
The more experienced players are pleased with how Hamilton has stepped up to the intensity of the Varsity level. Senior Captain Olivia Knight said, ¨ [Meghan] is proving to our coaches what a great skater she is and she is helping our team a lot with her speed, shot, and good stick handling.”
“Right now the underclassmen are gaining the experience they need, especially [Hamilton] who is already outplaying older players as a middle schooler,” added senior Captain Lauren Hirshom added.
The captains look forward to improving their 3-4-4 record with the help of their younger players at their next away game against Framingham on January 24. Hirshom added, “Despite the youth on our team we have a lot of talented players and we have been working out the kinks in practice to play better as a team.” The Rebels now need 9 more points in order to qualify for the state tournament.
