Today, April 21, 2025, Massachusetts will commemorate Patriots' Day, a holiday honoring the first battles of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This year marks the 250th anniversary of those pivotal events, and communities across the state are hosting reenactments, parades, and ceremonies to celebrate.​

In addition to historical observances, Patriots' Day has become synonymous with major sporting events. The Boston Marathon will see thousands of runners traverse the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston's Back Bay. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox will uphold their tradition of hosting a morning game at Fenway Park, facing off against the Chicago White Sox. 

Adding to the day's festivities, the Massachusetts Militia and the Cape Cod Stingrays will play an afternoon hockey game in New Bedford, home of the Stingrays. This matchup pays homage to the state's rich history and the spirit of competition that defines Patriots' Day.​

The Massachusetts Militia and Cape Cod Stingrays will square off at Nantucket Arena in what promises to be a spirited Patriots' Day clash between two divisional foes hungry for momentum.

Both teams enter the matchup clinging to playoff hopes, though still early, in the tightly contested North East USA Division of the LTLHL. The Militia sit third with a 10-10-3 record (23 points), while the Stingrays are just a point behind at 9-11-4 (22 points). With the season heating up, this game carries weight for more than just bragging rights.

Stingrays Struggling to Stay Afloat

Cape Cod is reeling, having dropped 8 of their last 10. Their recent slump has been a harsh contrast to a team that showed early promise. They’ll look to bounce back in front of the home crowd and end a frustrating stretch.

Terrance Audet is expected to start in net for the Stingrays. With a 4-5-2 record, a 3.51 GAA, and a .896 save percentage, he’ll need to hold firm against a Militia squad that can strike quickly in transition.

Up front, Cape Cod will once again rely on forward B.J. Keogan, who leads the team with 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists). His playmaking ability and nose for the net will be key if the Stingrays hope to break through against the Militia defense.

Militia Looking to End Skid of Their Own

Massachusetts has dropped back-to-back games and would love nothing more than to right the ship against a divisional rival. With a record dead even in goals for and against (80-80), the Militia’s season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

Netminder Andrew Wiewel is projected to start. Wiewel has had some bright moments this season but will be looking to improve on his 5-5-1 record, 3.52 GAA, and .905 SV%. He’ll need to be sharp against a Stingrays offense desperate to capitalize on home ice.

One player to watch is Amadeus Helm, who’s quietly been one of Massachusetts’ steadiest contributors with 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists). Helm’s speed and vision have kept defenses honest and could be a game-changer today.

What’s at Stake

The North East USA Division is crowded, and every point matters. The Knights and Mighty Moose are fighting for the top seed, but the Militia and Stingrays aren’t far behind. A win could be the start of a much-needed push toward playoff positioning.

For both teams, this Patriots’ Day matchup is more than just another game — it’s a chance to spark a turnaround and make a statement.

 As Massachusetts honors its revolutionary roots, the blend of historical remembrance and athletic competition embodies the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth.

Burlington, VT - 

The Vermont Wild Wings are tearing it up this season.

The farm team of the Massachusetts Militia is sitting pretty at the top of not just their division, but the entire LTLHL farm league, with a rock-solid 14-5-4 record and 32 points on the board. If there were any doubts about Vermont being a contender, they’ve been silenced—loudly.

Head Coach Shane Conway and GM Keith Evans clearly have this squad dialed in. The Wild Wings have been on an absolute heater lately, winning 8 of their last 10 games and looking sharper each night. Whether it’s a gritty 2-1 grind or a high-flying shootout, this team is finding ways to win.

A huge part of that success comes from team captain Conny Ericsson, who's been leading by example all season. Whether it’s making big plays or keeping the locker room focused, Ericsson’s presence has been felt in all the right ways.

And here’s something that really stands out—they’re unbeaten in regulation on the road. A 6-0-2 record away from home is no fluke. It says this team doesn’t just thrive in front of their own fans—they bring the same fire wherever they go.

The Wild Wings have become the team to watch in the LTLHL’s farm league, and if they keep this up, they could be bringing home more than just bragging rights. With the depth and momentum they’re showing, Vermont might just be setting the tone for the entire organization—including their big brothers up in Boston.

Stay tuned. Something special is brewing in Vermont.

 The LTLHL Awards Committee has been meeting regularly since the S3 regular season ended to discuss all of the nominees and finalists for the pros, farm and NJHL. After the many weeks of nominating and voting, we have our Season 3 winners to present to you.

LTLHL Statistically-Based Awards
 

       Offensive Player of the Year / Points Leader: C Joe McKinlay - Atlanta Royals - 94 Points

       Goal Scoring Leader: C Joe McKinlay - Atlanta Royals - 49 Goals

       Assist Scoring Leader: LW Donavon Sorely - Tucson Muertos - 69 - Assists

       Plus-Minus Leader: LW - Donavon Sorely - Tucson Muertos - +37.       

       GAA Leader: G Lars-Bjorn Sundholm - Tucson Muertos - 2.66 GAA

       S% Leader: G Mangjeol Su-Cheol - San Fransico Orcas - 0.925 - S%

       LTLHL Committee Awarded.  

     For each award, the committee members submit player nominations (a sentence or two making the player’s case), the finalist ballot is assembled, and then we rank choice vote (ranking players 1               through 6). The player that receives the majority of first place votes (6 or more) is declared the winner.Here are your winners and one of the cases made by a committee member.LTLHL Regular Season                  

         MVP:   C - Joe McKinlay - Atlanta Royals - 10/11 First Place Votes
 

     McKinlay is the first non-goalie to win the award.

     “Set the record for goals scored in a single season with 49, tied 8th in league with +31 rating, took zero penalty minutes, 9th in PP points, second in the league in SHT%, 4th best FO% among centres,  most points in the league.”

       Defenseman of the Year: D - Eric Picklyk - Minnesota Dockheads - Unnanamous

     The Dockheads’ defender wins this award for the second year in a row.

“Picklyk led all defenders with 75 points (24th amongst all skaters) and his team in scoring. His 231 hits were 5th in the league and he led all defenders with shots (294), power play goals and points (8 and 22), game winning goals (5), and first place stars (5). Picklyk also led a defense that allowed the third fewest goals in the league (232).”

     Goalie of the Year: G Lars-Bjorn Sundholm - Tucson Muertos - 8/11 First Place Votes (2 Ballots)
 

  Sundholm is named the top goalie in back-to-back years.

“Only played 44 games (11th most) but won 30.  Of the eligible goalies for this award, he was tied for second in save percentage; 2nd in GAA; first in winning %.  A big reason for the Muertos only          allowing 220 GA this season. This guy’s numbers would set records that would be tough to beat if he got more playing time.”

  Rookie of the Year: LW Gerald Slobodian - St. Louis Voodoo - 6/11 First Place Votes

First LW to win the award.

“Top 3 in goals, top 4 in points, played less minutes than the players ahead of him but was still consistent and was an important piece that helped the voodoo to finish first in his division.”

GM of the Year: GM Cameron Clow - Denver Bandits - 6/11 First Place Votes (3 Ballots)
 

Clow wins on the third vote.

“Traded, maneuvered, and guided his club to their first playoff berth in style. The Bandits scored the most goals, owned the 3rd best goal differential, and won the Northwest Division and Northern conference. Playoffs didn’t yield the same success, but a great season and signs of what is to come.”

Coach of the Year: Coach Trent O’Brien - Denver Bandits - 6/11 First Place Votes (3 Ballots)
 

“Most goals for, top 5 goal differential, bandits won the division, good defensive team, led bandits to first playoff berth in the pro league.”

Beacon Cup MVP: G Tor Kronberg - Edmonton Blizzard - 7/11 First Place Votes
 

A goalie wins the playoff MVP for the second year in a row.

“Kronberg started 18 of Edmonton’s 23 playoff games and finished the Beacon Cup playoffs second in save percentage (.923) and GAA (2.63). The young Swedish goalie recorded the only shutouts in the playoffs (2) and, among goalies, earned the most first game stars (3). His performance helped lift the #5 seed to Beacon Cup Champions.”

Farm Statistically-Based Awards

Offensive POTY / Points Leader - LW David Manno - Devils (Bandits) -  92 points

Goal Scoring Leader - RW Jesse Podloski - Northmen (Harfang) 40

Assist Leader - LW David Manno - Devils (Bandits) -  60 assists

Plus/ Minus Leader - RW Kellen Mcwhinney - Devils (Bandits) -  +32

GAA Leader - Arvin Hecimovic - Kings (Stormbreakers) -  2.10 GAA

S% Leader - Arvin Hecimovic - Kings (Stormbreakers) - .931S%

Farm Committee Awarded

Regular Season MVP - LW David Manno - Devils (Bandits) - 8/11 First Place Votes
 

“Manno led all skaters in points with 92, more than 10 points above the second place finisher.  Manno played just under 17 minutes per game.  Led all skaters in PP points as well with 29 points, 9G 20A.  Devils won their Division and finished second in the conference with 104 points.”

Bosse Cup MVP - RW Tommy Van Loon - 7/11 First Place Votes - Vipers (Twisters)
 

“Van Loon led the Vipers to their first Bosse Cup.  Led all scorers with 8G, 16A 24pts.  Including 7 PP points.  Played over 17min/gm with a +9 rating over 24 games.  Led all skaters in shots, took 0 PIM in the playoffs.”

NJHL Statistically-Based Awards
 

Offensive Player of the Year / Points Leader: LW Jerry Bergius - Menace - 111 Points

Goal Scoring Leader: LW Jerry Bergius - Menace - 51 Goals

Assist Scoring Leader: LW Jerry Bergius - Menace - 79 Assists

Plus-Minus Leader: LW Jerry Bergius & Arno Rech - Menace - +28

GAA Leader: G Juho-Matti Nykvist - Rapids - 2.10 GAA

S% Leader: G Juho-Matti Nykvist - Rapids  - 0.931 - S%

NJHL Committee AwardedNJHL Regular Season MVP: LW Jerry Bergius - Menace - 10/11 First Place Votes
 

“Led the NJ in points (111), goals (51), plus/minus (+28), and first game stars (16). The Swede’s 9 game winners tied him for 5th in the Juniors. Bergius’ scoring lifted the Menace to the #1 seed in the American Conference and the Midwest Divisional banner.”

NJHL Cup MVP: G Alain Crawford - Quake - 6/11 First Place Votes
 

“Won all 12 games, great save % .927  2.38 GAA, and played more minutes than any other goalie by over 100.”

The Minnesota Dockheads have stormed into the new LTLHL season with authority, posting an impressive 11-4-3 record. With the team sitting in first place in the Mid West Division and third overall in the league, they’ve positioned themselves as early contenders in what promises to be a tightly contested season. General Manager Kieran Green and Head Coach Denis Zorn have found their rhythm, as the team continues to win somewhat consistently. Minnesota’s strong defensive core, led by Rusty and Picklyk, has been a key factor in their success. At the same time, the offensive attack has been bolstered by Bedrich Visek and newcomer Karl-Johan Schmidt Rawley Boney, the team’s assistant captain, has been a key player in the leadership group, breaking a five-game pointless streak last night with a goal and an assist to help propel the team to victory. His performance exemplifies the Dockheads' resilience and ability to perform when it matters most. In goal, Cooper Fornataro has been outstanding. The veteran netminder boasts an 8-3 record, along with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He’s earned four Star of the Game honors, showcasing his ability to deliver in big moments. Meanwhile, backup goalie Caden Boteler has quietly excelled in his limited starts, posting a .911 save percentage and a 3.12 GAA in three appearances, including one Star of the Game nod. With key players heating up and the team playing a structured, disciplined game, the Dockheads are proving they have the depth and determination to remain among the league’s elite.

After what seemed to be a great start to the season, winning 4 of their first 6 games, the Trident then proceeded to loose 7 of their next 8 games. The most frustrating part in all this: Miami outshot their opponent 5 times in those 8 games. Is the issue in the net then? Shibahara is doing very well, posting a 0.917 save percentage (12th best in the league fow goalies with at least 5 games played) and rookie Gammond is holding his own with a 0.908 SV%. Where is the issue then? Eyes are starting to turn towards coach Fagerberg, as fans feel the management were more than patient enough with him...