The story of senior and captain Nate Averill’s 100th career point for the Martha’s Vineyard High School boys hockey team travels full circle. He captured his first and 100th point on the same rink on a similar play.

Averill recorded the milestone point on an assist to Sol Donnelly for a goal in the third period against Dennis-Yarmouth on Dec. 18. The last time a player joined the 100-point club was Tyson Araujo in 2014.

“It’s definitely special, being from [the Island],” Averill said. “It’s cool because [Tyson’s] coached me a little bit and I’ve played on a couple of his teams, so I got to learn from him.”

When he was told he had 89 points before entering this season, he knew the milestone was within reach.

The 100th-point play started when senior Hunter Johnson dumped it behind the net and Averill took possession of the puck, before passing it to Donnelly, who was open in front of the net and scored the goal. Averill received the assist, earning him his 100th point (in hockey, assists and goals both equal a point for a player's total).

Averill made the varsity lineup his freshman year, and coach Matt Mincone has always admired his dedication.

“The work ethic has always been there,” Mr. Mincone said. “Maturity wise, he’s clearly grown, but his core characteristics and who he is as a person haven’t changed. Whether it’s his first point or 100th, he always makes sure that his teammates [are recognized first].”

The line that helped Averill notch his 100th is comprised of all seniors. He attributes a built-in chemistry to playing together since they all learned how to skate.

“We’re always playing together, we’re always hanging outside of hockey, so I think it just definitely builds a strong bond,” he said.

When Mr. Mincone was deciding on captains for the season, having Averill be a core part of the leadership was an easy decision.

“He’s the example to be led by,” Mr. Mincone said. “A lot of people say leadership is to lead by example, and he creates that example. Nate is one of those guys that you want to have on the good days but specifically the bad days because he knows how to turn things around quick.”

The team is off to a good start this year, but Averill is encouraging himself and the team to not think too far ahead.

“I think definitely just taking one game at a time, getting the win hopefully, and then it all leads up to playoffs,” he said. “We have to have a mentality of to win or to go home.”