The King Philip Regional Girls Hockey Team with Coach Tim Langevin and Assistant Coach Kate Holmes after their 1-0 double-overtime quarterfinal victory over Pembroke. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
WRENTHAM — The King Philip Regional High School girls ice hockey team concluded a remarkable season Sunday morning with an appearance in the MIAA Division 2 State Championship game at TD Garden against Milton, capping a year defined by resilience after the passing of head coach Kenny Assad in December.
Second-seeded Milton defeated fifth-seeded King Philip, 2-1, in a hard-fought championship game. The Warriors entered the tournament with a 19-2-1 regular season record and advanced to the championship game with victories over Whitman-Hanson, Canton, Pembroke, and Medfield.
The team’s run to the state final came during a season that tested it in ways that went far beyond the ice. Head coach Assad passed unexpectedly on Dec. 21, shortly after the season began. Since then, the team has rallied around and supported each other while continuing to compete at the highest level.
Assistant Coach Tim Langevin stepped into a leading role following Assad’s passing. Langevin has been part of the King Philip girls hockey program since 2019 and previously served as an assistant coach for Franklin High School’s 2016 MIAA state championship boys team. Langevin, a Franklin High School graduate, played hockey at the University of Southern Maine and spent many years coaching at Franklin before coming to King Philip.
Throughout the season, the team honored Coach Assad by hanging his jacket on the bench during games.
“The resilience these student-athletes have shown this season is remarkable,” said Athletic Director Gary Brown. “They competed at a very high level, and they did it the right way. They support one another and represent King Philip with sportsmanship and pride. We are incredibly proud of everything they accomplished.”
Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet said the team’s season stands as an example of perseverance and character.
“This team endured the heartbreaking loss of Coach Assad early in the season, yet they continued to support one another and compete with tremendous determination,” said Superintendent Dr. Drolet. “Coach Langevin, Assistant Coach Kate Holmes, and our KPHS leadership team, counselors, families, and tri-town community helped guide the team through one of the most difficult situations imaginable while keeping the focus on teamwork and honoring Coach Assad’s legacy. The entire King Philip community is so proud and thankful for this team!”
“Following this team throughout the season has been incredibly moving,” said Principal Nicole Bottomley. “Our players supported one another through a very difficult time and continued to show what it means to represent King Philip. They have made our entire school community proud.”
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King Philip Regional Girls Hockey Coach Ken Assad, who passed away in December. (Photo Courtesy Ryan Lanigan)
The King Philip Regional Girls Hockey Team celebrating a 2-0 Final Four semifinal victory of Medfield. (Photo Courtesy Ryan Lanigan)
The King Philip Regional Girls Hockey Team after their 1-0 double-overtime quarterfinal victory over Pembroke. (Photo Courtesy Ryan Lanigan)