WOBURN — In an era of sport specialization, Reading is zagging when others zig.
When the third-ranked Rockets lined up for the opening faceoff before a 3-0 win against No. 18 Winchester at O’Brien Rink, three of their five skaters had committed to play in college.
The catch? Nate Mulvey, Jack Filipski, and Ian Leonard will all trade in their hockey equipment for lacrosse sticks at the next level.
Filipski serves as a three-sport captain, leading the cross-country team in the fall. In the last year, he tore his MPFL ligament, which connects the kneecap to the femur, and also partially tore his MCL twice. Still, he pushes through.
He also played fall hockey alongside Mulvey, and all three play spring hockey in addition to their successful lacrosse careers.
Phew.
It’s not for the faint of heart. Plenty of ice and ibuprofen are required, as is a passion for competition.
“I think multi-sport athletes, in a lot of cases, they understand the compete,’’ said Reading hockey coach Mark Doherty. “Even though lacrosse is a different game, it’s about finding openings, physicality. You have to know how to create openings, whether it’s through fakes or whatever. It doesn’t matter the sport, any team sport, you’re learning angles.’’
As a Winchester winger flew through the defensive zone Saturday, Leonard lifted his stick through the triangle, spun his hips to create separation between the opponent and the puck, and won the battle, erasing the forward from the play.
It’s textbook defending, something Leonard, a defenseman on the lacrosse field, understands well. His bond with Filipski, a long-stick midfielder, has been forged since first grade and will continue when they both head to Endicott.
“With [Leonard], we’ve played together for 10-plus years in two different sports,’’ said Filipski. “Our bond together is just so tight at this point.’’
“We’re literally the same person,’’ quipped Leonard. “Our moms think it’s weird.’’
Mulvey, a midfielder committed to Saint Anselm, can absolutely fly. His speed gives him a distinct advantage, forcing opponents into mistakes by taking away time and space in an instant. He supplied a pair of assists in Saturday’s win, creating plays with his feet.
“Footwork is a big thing, and talking about footwork, you need it for both hockey and lacrosse,’’ said Mulvey.
“The kid’s a darn good hockey player,’’ said Doherty. ’’His instincts are terrific. His feet are really good. He’s a good hockey player — very good. He’d be a regular player on the best teams that we’ve ever had.’’
Doherty endorses his players being multi-sport athletes.
“You’re seeing overuse injuries now,’’ said Doherty. “Every kid is different. I just wish kids would specialize less.’’
Senior Michael Boutiette, a third-line wing, plans to play football in college and is still weighing his options. Boutiette bounced off a hit at his own blue line, got to the red line through two oncoming defenders, and dumped it deep. His hit on the ensuing forecheck took the defenseman off the puck and created a scoring chance.
Although they might not focus on one sport, the Rockets have melded to form one of the state’s best teams. They fly up and down the ice, stick to their assignments, and can beat anyone.
“I just want to win the state championship,’’ said Mulvey. “That’s the main goal.’’
Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.
