The King Phillip girls hockey team ended their season with one of the most remarkable displays of resilience. Faced with an unimaginable tragedy following the passing of Head Coach Ken Assad, instead of backing down, the girls did exactly what Assad would have wanted. 

The Warriors dedicated the season to their late head coach, powering through the regular season to earn the number five seed in the Division II playoffs. Once there, they dispatched Whitman-Hanson (6-0), Canton (2-1, 2 OT), Pembroke (1-0, 2OT), and Medfield (2-0) to earn a trip to the state championship game at Boston Garden. There, despite the continued season-long stellar goaltending of senior Kiki Lynch and a goal from junior Ella Morgan, the dream ended with a tough 2-1 loss to Milton. They ended a season they will never forget with a record of 23-3-1. 

“This season will absolutely impact the rest of my life,” Captain Camryn O’Shea said. “It has already impacted my own growth, perseverance, and understanding of life.”

“When our team realized we were going to the Garden, it was truly one of the best feelings because it was all Kenny wanted for us,” junior Erin Steck explained. “We all know he’s doing “the griddy” or doing another dance for us up there and always cheering us on.” 

Though the team came up just short in the championship game, it was never all about winning titles but rather the journey the team has been on together to get to this point. 

“Dedicating the season to him has been very special for me, and I think it brought our team even closer together,” sophomore Lanie O’Shea said. 

Steck also added, “This achievement really shows how hard this team has worked, and how passionate every player is to reach our main goal. After Coach Kenny’s passing, we all talked and went to the Garden as it was what we all wanted to do for him.” 

Coach Assad’s presence, both on and off the ice, has left a monumental mark on the team that the girls will never forget. “I am so lucky to have been influenced by Coach Kenny’s passion for everything he participated in,” Camryn O’Shea stated. “He taught me how to be strong both on the ice and in life and that translated into how I dealt with his passing. I learned how to take this tragic event and make it into a reason to play harder every chance I get.” 

Coach Tim Langevin, who took over the role of head coach after Assad’s passing, was remarkable in helping to not only lead this team, but also help them get through this impossible time. The methods in which he kept team morale up while also keeping Assad’s memory at the forefront was an incredible display of leadership. 

“In between periods and before the game we have the little reminders of him,” Steck said. “Whether it’s someone saying ‘do it for Kenny’ or his favorite song ‘Free Bird’ coming on, or Coach Timmy saying ‘everyone’s rooting for you, especially the one upstairs,’ the little reminders of him keep him in our hearts and go a long way.” 

The team would also perform a ritual of placing Assad’s jacket on the bench during every game. “His jacket gives me an extra push to remind myself who this is all for,” Steck said.  

Though the Warriors did a tremendous job of showing their skills on the ice, they were far from alone off it. In light of Assad’s passing, Assad’s family never stopped their support, helping in any way they could to cheer on their team. 

“Seeing his family’s love and unconditional support at every game means the world to us,” Steck stated. “No matter how far away from the rink they are, they have constantly shown up to watch us and cheer us on. Seeing them there, although it is emotional, brings a piece of him to every game, which is extra special for everyone.” 

Camryn O’Shea also emphasized the impact the King Philip community has had on the team. “I hope that our fans and community know that they have impacted our season so much, with their endless support and appreciation for the work we have put into the season,” O’Shea said. “With the community and support systems we have around us, we have gained the strength to persevere and play for Kenny and the community.” 

Regardless of the end result, what the 2025-26 King Phillip girls hockey team has done this season is nothing short of inspiring. It is a story that not only touched the hearts of those close to them, but also touched the hearts of an entire community. 

“As a team, we are very proud of the determination and strength everyone showed throughout the season,” Lainey O’Shea expressed. 

Camryn O’Shea also added, “Leading this team this year has been such an honor for me, each and every girl on the team has been a huge part of our success through it all, and I am so proud to be a member of this incredible team.” 

One thing is for certain: Coach Assad would be so proud of everything his team has achieved.