Selectmen Go Blonde for Champion Wildcats

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider the Wilmington High School boys hockey team flattered.

The Board of Selectmen sported blonde hair during Monday night’s meeting, similar to the look sported by Wildcat players as they with a at TD Garden.

Michael McCoy, Michael Champoux, Michael Newhouse and Town Manager Michael Caira all slipped on wigs for the start of the meeting as the majority of players and coaches filled the room.

Chairman Lou Cimaglia, however, went for the real thing as he died his hair for the occasion. Judy O’Connell said her regular trips for to the hair salon meant she didn’t have to go for the wig either.

Selectmen handed the players championship mugs complete with a team photo printed onto it. They also delivered a message to the players who earned the first state title in program history.

“Being at that game, the sense of accomplishment I felt while watching you achieve your goals was wonderful,” said Champoux. “You have given Wilmington a real boost. You’ve shown that when we get together around one goal, you can share in the success like you did. Also, thank you for the opportunity to see Mike Caira in a blonde wig. It’s been a fun ride.”

Senior captain Dalton Rolli had a gift of his own for Caira. Rolli presented the Town Manager with a state championship t-shirt with “Caira” and a number one printed on the back.

O’Connell said that while the victory was a major accomplishment for players and coaches, she said there is another group that deserves recognition.

“What an exciting opportunity for all of you as a team, but also for your families who made sacrifices of your personal lives and your schedule for your children,” said O’Connell, who also addressed head coach Steve Scanlon. “Mr. Scanlon, you try to motivate young athletes to raise the bar every year, and you have put in many years to this team. Your father would be very, very proud.”

The victory tour will continue for the Wildcats, who will travel to the State House in about three weeks according to Rep. James Miceli.

As for Monday night, it was a lighthearted start to what board members called an .

Members did remove the blonde hair before contuining with the regular business of the meeting, with one exception. Cimaglia’s new look remained in place, for at least the near future. Caira, on the other hand, was excited to get back to his old look.

“This is the first time in many years I’ve had hair in my eyes,” joked Caira. “There goes 22 years of trying to be serious, right out the window. But it was worth it for recognizing the unity that you folks brought to the ice each and every day.”