Fry saves the day
When famously unpredictable former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens dropped out of a Pittsburgh-area youth football camp just days before his set appearance this past week, who jumped in to save the day? None other than former Eagle-Tribune defensive Player of the Year Pat Freiermuth.
With Pickens — who was traded to Dallas this offseason but indicated he would honor his obligation — backing out, fan favorite Steelers tight end Freiermuth volunteered to take his place, and will now host the rescheduled camp starting July 20. He was not originally involved in the camp. Freiermuth is heading into his fifth NFL season, all with Pittsburgh.
Mill City in action
The Mill City Eagles of the semipro New England Football League will be back home this week, hosting the Boston Bandits on Saturday (7 p.m.) at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Eagles (1-1) have been led on defense by former North Andover star Mark Federico (11 tackles) and Lawrence’s Brandon Santell (eight tackles).
Kesselring traded
An NHL player with local ties is on the move, as Michael Kesselring was traded by Utah to the Buffalo Sabres this week. Kesselring is the son of former Merrimack College star and two-time state champion Pinkerton Academy head coach Casey Kesselring. Michael was a fixture at the rink during his dad’s 10 years leading the Astros, before stepping down in 2013.
Michael has spent three seasons in the NHL, with Arizona (2022-24) and Utah (2024-2025), playing in all 82 games this past winter.
Sanford earns honor
Former Pinkerton Academy star Zach Sanford has become a favorite with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. He was named the team’s “Unsung Hero” for 2024-25 after 25 points in his team’s final 22 games.
Warriors offer Jain
Merrimack College football made an offer this week to a player local football fans should be familiar with, former Souhegan (N.H.) High quarterback Romy Jain, who announced the news on “X.” Jain led Souhegan to Division II state title games in 2022 and 2023, both times falling to juggernaut Pelham High. He then transferred to Loomis Chaffee (Windsor, Conn.), where he is heading into his senior season.
One Final Thought
As Michael Muldoon used to say, “If you can bring a smile to someone’s face today, just do it!
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