By George P. Hassett

Between 2001 and 2007, five former Somerville High hockey players died young. Brian Liberatore, Nicky Peters, Dave Martini, Ryan Sullivan and Matthew O’Brien were all ‚Äúgood kids from Somerville‚Äù who died too soon, said Jonathon Mahoney, 21, a 2004 graduate of SHS.

On Saturday, Mahoney brought more than 200 people together to honor the memories of his fallen friends and raise money for the Somerville High athletes of tomorrow. A street hockey tournament at Conway Park raised $1,200 for a scholarship fund dedicated to the memory of Liberatore, Peters, Martini, Sullivan and O’Brien.

Mahoney said the scholarship is open to a Somerville High senior who participated in any sport during his or her high school years. Applicants will write an essay and the families of the five hockey players will have a role in choosing the winner, he said.

Mahoney said he will hold the event each year and expects it to grow over time. ‚ÄúWe’ve had too many athletes pass away. I wanted to do something to remember them.‚Äù

Photos by Scott Liberatore