RANDOLPH – Whenever a program graduates many key players, it can take a few years to rebuild.

For Braintree’s boys hockey team, a winning tradition remains intact with leaders like Matt Morelli. The senior defenseman sniped a pair of goals, including the game-clincher in overtime Saturday, as the Wamps opened their season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bay State Conference rival Walpole.

“We’re all just a really tight group of kids,” Morelli said. “We don’t have a lot of superstars on our team, but we’re all just bought in to what the coaches are telling us, day in and day out at practice. I think being so bought in, being so tight as a group and hanging out whenever we can really helps us in every aspect.”

As fans packed Zupustas Arena, it felt like Braintree (1-0) had an immediate

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