Built in Saugus, united as one: Why this hockey co-op team feels different

By Dom Nicastro

The Peabody–Saugus–Swampscott boys hockey team is only a few games into the season, but something has already clicked — and it starts with belief.

After years of rebuilding, reshaping and merging programs, the co-op has opened the winter playing its best hockey in recent memory. A 3–1 start, followed by a loss to the defending state champions, and a championship win over an undefeated St. Bernard’s team, has given the group confidence.

But head coach Donnie Shaw of Peabody insists the record only tells part of the story.

“The season just started and we’re playing the best hockey I’ve seen these boys play in years,” Shaw said. “Starting 3–1 is phenomenal, but our goals aren’t just to win. We want this to be the single best year they’ve had.”

For Saugus fans, that feeling is especially real — because when the season’s biggest moment arrived, it was Saugus players who drove it.

  The turning point came in the championship game against St. Bernard’s, a team that entered the matchup 5–0 and had consistently gotten the better of the co-op in past seasons. This time was different.

All three goals came from an all-Saugus line: center Jake Kelley, with wings Artie O’Leary and John Morello. They call themselves the “Kowloon Line,” and against St. Bernard’s they were relentless, like the chefs at the Route 1 iconic Chinese food establishment slinging orders on New Year’s Eve.

“That was the best game I’ve ever seen Artie play,” Shaw said. “He was composed, protecting the puck, making simple decisions, and flying all over the ice.”

O’Leary finished with two goals and added an assist to Morello, while Kelley’s impact went far beyond the scoresheet. Shaw called Kelley the unsung hero of the game — a Saugus forward whose energy set the tone.

“He looked like he wanted to win more than anyone,” Shaw said. “Flying around, making smart plays, playing physical with zero doubt in his game. That pushed everyone forward.”

Morello, a sophomore from Saugus, continued to show why the staff believes the ceiling for that line is high. Shaw said the chemistry is obvious — and growing fast.

“When you see things start clicking this early, you can imagine what they can look like by the end of the year,” he said.

  That championship win wasn’t just about scoring. It was about sacrifice.

Senior captain Nathan Crane, a Peabody native, led by example in the defensive zone, blocking five or six shots alone as the team threw bodies in front of pucks to protect the lead. The coaching staff lost count after 13 total blocks.

In net, Swampscott’s Dom Pappalardo stood on his head, facing 44 shots and keeping the game under control. Shaw praised Pappalardo’s calm presence, especially as a captain.

,,“He’s quieter, but his actions are loud,” Shaw said. “No complaining. No frustration. It’s always about the next shot.”

Backing him up is Peabody’s Evan Tybinkowski, another senior who delivered back-to-back strong performances earlier in the season. Shaw said the luxury of two dependable goalies has raised the internal standard across the roster.

  While the championship spotlight belonged to Saugus, the co-op’s early success has been built with contributions from all three communities.

Peabody’s Brandon Berone was named player of the game in a 5–2 win over Lynn, centering Saugus’ Demetri Breton and fellow Peabody standout Matvey Stupnikov. Barone and Stupnikov each posted two goals and an assist as the co-op jumped out to a 5–0 lead before closing it out.

Earlier in the week, freshman Kallen Shaughnessy of Swampscott announced himself with two goals in a win over Everett — the first of his high school career. Shaw said moments like that matter just as much as wins.

“We have a lot of promising kids coming up,” he said. “That’s how you build this thing the right way.”

  Shaw, a former Peabody player who spent years as an assistant before taking over as head coach, credits the change not to tactics alone — but to culture.

“We’re not chasing wins,” he said. “We’re building the team first. Being good friends in the locker room. Working hard for each other. Learning the game. Then the wins come.”

That approach has translated into energy at practice, focus during games and a locker room that feels connected. Shaw said the players are enjoying being together — a sign he believes separates good teams from forgettable ones.

“They deserve to have a good team,” he said. “They’ve been through the good times and the bad times. We have an opportunity to give them a year they’ll never forget.”

  The co-op did take a step back against defending state champion Winthrop, falling 5–1 on Jan. 3 at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus. Shaw said the loss doesn’t change the team’s belief — only reinforces the work ahead.

“There’s not one team on our schedule we can’t hang with,” he said.

Next up is a home matchup against Danvers at McVann/O’Keefe Memorial Rink in Peabody on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m.