Saugus Minions capture VMSHL hockey title

By David Silipigni

On Sunday, February 23, the Saugus 5th Grade Middle School Hockey Team triumphed in the Valley Middle School Hockey League (VMSHL) Championship. The team, comprising 20 Saugus students from 3rd, 4th and 5th grades who typically play for 12 different hockey organizations during the regular season, showcased exceptional teamwork and skill.

Despite being named the “Saugus Minions” after the Universal Entertainment characters, the team was led by two coaches with deep roots in Saugus hockey. Coaches Diozzi and O’Donnell, both alumni of Saugus High School hockey from 1995 and 2000, donned their senior hockey jackets for the significant event. In a motivational speech before the championship game, Coach Diozzi told the team, “This is a team and game you’ll remember for all your lives.”

This victory marks the first time a Saugus 5th grade team has secured the VMSHL championship. The team defeated the Renegades with a final score of 6-3.