High School Hockey

Braintree High girls’ hockey dedicates season to team mom

The Connellys (from left) — Leah, Steve, Elizabeth, and Lauren — were there when the late Paula Connolly was honored before the Dec. 12 opening game of Braintree High School against Newton North High School.

By Colleen Casey

Globe Correspondent / December 19, 2012

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“I was thrilled Lauren got the goal,” said coach Kevin Burchill. “I said to her, ‘I think your mother knocked that in.’ She had a great smile. She was thrilled.”

Earlier, Lauren had several shots on net, but kept missing high. She said Burchill encouraged her to keep shooting and it finally paid off. “I didn't think I was going to score,” she said. “I was getting a lot of chances but they weren't going in. Mr. Burchill told me to shoot from everywhere. I just let it go and closed my eyes and it went in."

And although Paula Connelly was not there to see her daughters play, her presence was definitely felt.

“It's emotional, but she's going to be with me on my shirt,” added Lauren. “I wear a yellow ribbon on my skate in remembrance of her so she's always going to be with me.”

The Wamps, who have just four seniors on the roster, followed up their win with a 1-1 tie against Milton on Saturday night.

“We want to make it just as far but we’re a lot younger,” said Lauren. “We’re focusing on getting in good shape, even better than last year because we don’t have the numbers.”

Colleen Casey can be reached at colleen.casey@globe.com.