Kelly Leading By Example For the Spartans

Stoneham Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Michael Kelly, 17
• Accomplishment: Scoring two goals in an opening round upset over Watertown in the State tournament this week.

Key to Awesomeness: Kelly, an assistant captain of the Stoneham High School boys' hockey team, is showing his talent in the MIAA state tournament. The Spartans upset Watertown, 6-3, this week to advance to the second round of the tournament against Saugus. 

“We were pumped," Kelly said. "We beat Watertown twice during the regular season, but we knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Everyone played their game and for the most part stayed out of the penalty box.

“My two goals were just the icing on the cake. We played as a team and that is how you win hockey games."

Kelly knows his team is the underdog in the tournament, but most people don't know that they play teams out of their division.

“People forget that we play Division I teams all season," Kelly said. "Those are really big teams with big numbers. Except for a few games that got away from us, we were in every game this season. 

"Watertown had an impressive record, but we came to play. The win has given us a new level of confidence that I hope we carry into our next game."

Kelly knows it's all about hard work while playing hockey and nothing else.

“You cannot always count on what you read in the papers or what is on the stat sheets," Kelly said. "If you work hard and play as a team, anything is possible.  You can never count yourself out."

Kelly looks to play college hockey after his high school career is over and with his ability it is a foregone conclusion that he will.

“I hope I can continue to grow as a player and attain my goal of playing at the next level," Kelly said. "My family gave me the opportunity to expand my abilities at a higher level of play in the EHF league. That's where my coach Peter Ferreiro helped fine tune my game."