A Team Of 14-Year-Olds From Boston Gave A Lesson On What Youth Hockey Should Be All About

Oftentimes, when the media focuses on youth hockey, it's to chronicle some idiot coach, parent or player doing something, well, idiotic, and putting a stain on what is a wonderful game.

That's why it's all the more important to turn our attention to the Minuteman Flames, a suburban Boston Under-15 team, and what they did at the Toronto Marlboros' 30th annual Holiday Classic on Monday afternoon.

I originally went to the tournament to watch the U-16 final between the Don Mills Flyers and Toronto Jr. Canadiens (which the Flyers won 3-0), but I found myself drawn to the U-15 championship game between the Flames and Reps from Toronto.

It was an entertaining, hard-fought game that ended tied 2-2 after regulation time. Early in the 10-minute overtime period, Minuteman scored to take the title.

For moments after the goal, the Reps' goalie laid face down on the ice, inconsolable. First, his teammates came to offer him their support.

Then, something wonderful happened.

After a brief celebration, the Flames skated as a team to also gather around the Reps' goalie. The result was a sea of players from both teams consoling the goalie, shaking hands and hugging one another after a terrific game.

It was heartwarming, inspiring and left anyone who saw it with a feeling that maybe things aren't going to hell in a handbasket after all.

Here's more:

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