ROCHESTER — Jamie Ferullo led the Spaulding High School boys hockey team to the Division II state championship game last weekend for the first time since 2015.
That year, Spaulding head coach Paul George was named Division II Coach of the Year.
Ferullo followed in George’s footsteps again, receiving this year’s Division II Coach of the Year honors.
“It’s a huge honor,” Ferullo said. “I can’t thank my staff for everything they put in and the sacrifices they made. This really is a team award with the staff and the kids. It’s a huge honor to say the least.”
Spaulding went 7-9-2 in the regular season and was the No. 8 seed going into the state tournament. The Red Raiders then beat No. 9 Somersworth/Coe-Brown in the first round, No. 1 Merrimack in the quarterfinals, and No. 4 Dover in the semis to advance to the championship. Spaulding, following a 3-0 loss to No. 2 Oyster River in the championship game, finished the season at 10-10-2, Ferullo’s eighth as head coach.
“There was so much parity in the league this year and many coaches did a tremendous job getting their kids to a certain point this year,” Ferullo said. “I was definitely surprised with the outpouring of support from the other coaches.”
Spaulding entered the playoffs riding a three-game losing streak, and lost six games by one goal this season.
“It was a long season and we accomplished a lot of great things,” Ferullo said. “I could care less about myself; as long as the kids do well, the team does well, and we put ourselves in a good position going into next year, that’s what I care about. It’s about the kids, and I couldn’t be happier they could experience this year. I am just happy I was there with them.”
Division II all-state selections
Spaulding junior forward Ryan Dube received all-state first-team honors.
“Very well deserved,” Ferullo said. “He has tremendous talent, and I don’t think there’s anyone better than him think heading into next year. I would put him on the top of the list of Player of the Year. I am very happy for him.”
Other all-state first-team selections include Oyster River senior defenseman Cam Miner, Winnacunnet senior forward Brady Thompson, and junior forward Jackson Estes.
Those on the all-state second team include Oyster River sophomore forward Talon Beyor, Dover senior forward Caleb Marasca, and Winnacunnet senior defenseman Drew Marelli and senior goalie Owen Helton.
Honorable mention picks included…
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