Ice Is In!

The ice has gone in at the Bridgton Ice Arena. The hockey team should be skating on campus by early Tuesday. Other remodeling is going on in the locker rooms where the painting is almost complete.


The locker room's new look is almost complete


The lines and logo have been painted on

O'Connell Unanimous Selection as Captain

The Bridgton Academy Hockey Team announced its captains for the 2009-’10 season, the leading vote getter, as a unanimous selection, was Kyle O’Connell (Bridgewater, MA). Joining O’Connell as assistant captains are Pat Thornton (Dublin, CA), and George Costa (Winthrop, MA).


Kyle O'Connell, unanimous selection as captain

O’Connell, a 6’0” 195lbs. defenseman was the stand alone choice by his teammates to be captain. Coach Lounsbury said of Kyle, “he is a kid who from day one had all intentions of making himself and others better as both a player and a teammate.” O’Connell is described as, “a player who leads by example, not a rah-rah guy, but his dedication on and off the ice will help lead us to a successful year,” by Coach Lounsbury.

Pat Thornton, assistant captain '09-'10

Pat Thornton, a 6’0” 190lbs. forward is one of two assistant captains. Lounsbury has been impressed with Thornton saying, “Pat’s commitment to the team have shown his peers and the coaching staff that he can be trusted as a leader. His work ethic on and off the ice is contagious, he helps push people to work as hard as they can.”

George Costa, assistant captain '09-'10

Joining Thornton as an assistant captain will be George Costa, a 6’3” 190lbs forward, is as Lounsbury describes, “a pleasant surprise as captain.” Another quiet leader who lets his play speak for itself, “George’s dedication to game proved to his peers that he will do whatever to lead the team to victory.” Coming for a highly regarded high school programs, that’s alumni include Head Coach Jon Lounsbury, George will, “do what it takes to prepare his teammates for the task at hand.”
Lounsbury speaking of the team said, “Coach Meserve and I are very pleased with each and every players performance so far this off season, we believe that these three captains will help bring BA hockey to the next level.”

The Wolverines take to the ice during Parent’s Weekend at home against the Maine Moose on Friday October, 2nd at 7:00 PM and again on Saturday the 3rd at 4:00 PM as they take on the Eastern Kodiaks.

Player Profile: Kyle O'Connell

Kyle O'Connell
6'0"
190lbs
Bridgewater, MA



Bridgton Academy: How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
Kyle O’Connell: Coach Meserve called me up, told me about the program and the school, I was interested, talked with my high school coach Mark Jones, he had heard of Bridgton, and said it was something I should do.

BA: What do you hope to get out of this year at BA academically?
KO: I want to improve my grades, SAT scores, and study habits so I will be ready for college. All the teachers are here to get the best out of you, and with the smaller classes I am able to interact and work 1-on-1 with them, instead of having to wait for 30 students to ask questions.

BA: What do you hope to get out of this year at BA athletically?
KO: I want to develop as an overall player, have a good year both as a player and as a team. This year can set me up to play right away in college.

BA: Which colleges have you looked at/ are you interested in?
KO: I don’t have any set colleges, I am keeping my options open because I want to find a place where I can play. I don’t want to limit myself to one school and then not get in there and be left with nothing.

BA: Who is your biggest role model?
KO: My mother, she has always been there for me, pushing me and trying to get the best out of me. My brother Ryan, and sister Shae, have also been there to support me and help me.

BA: Where do you see yourself in five years?
KO: Not playing hockey, not in the show. Hopefully still involved in hockey though, as the head coach at my former high school, Bridgewater-Raynham, and also teaching there.

BA: What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
KO: It’s a chance to be part of a select few that get to go through with an extra year of school and sports, before continuing on with the goal of college, and going further in college than you would have without the year.

BA: What are you most looking forward to this year?
KO: I am looking forward to getting better grades which will allow me to get to the next level in hockey.

BA: What is your favorite class you are taking right now?
KO: Statistics with Mr. Gately.

BA: What is your most challenging class?
KO: Political Science with Mr. Lesure, because there are so many angles to the government.

BA: What is your favorite sports memory that you have been involved in?
KO: Winning my school’s first ever state tournament hockey games in ’08. We also had the best record in school history: 15-6-1.

BA: What is your favorite sports memory that you have not been a part of?
KO: 2004 when the Red Sox won four straight from the Yankees and then went on to sweep the Cardinals and win the World Series.

BA: Do you have any pregame rituals?
KO: Nothing major, I usually drink a monster energy drink before games and have a Reese’s.

BA: What do you listen to for music?
KO: Everything, rap, rock, country… some country. Before games I like to relax and calm my nerves, so I will listen to music that is more laid back.

BA: Do you have any other hobbies or interesting facts about yourself:
KO: I like playing card games, poker mostly; I played football in high school so I get together with friends at home and play.

QMJHL LEWISTON MANIACS

Coach Mike Meserve, his son Cameron, daughter Delaney and father John, joined Bridgton students Trey Rasmussen, Nick Billingham, George Wickey, Jacob Donahue, David Findley and Justin Miller Saturday evening for the the Lewiston Maniacs game versus Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The boys enjoyed a great game, good food and a lot of funny jokes provided by Team Manager Cameron Meserve. The Maniacs won a hard fought battle 4-1.

Player Profile: Trey Rasmussen and Pat Thornton

Trey Rasmussen
6'1" 185lbs West Tisbury, MA

Pat Thornton
6'0" 190lbs Dublin, CA




Bridgton Academy: How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
Trey Rasmussen: My high school hockey coach knew about Bridgton and took me and Tad Gold for a visit, and we were both sold on it.
Pat Thornton: I had just finished my season with the Tri-Valley Blue Devils (CA), and Coach Meserve called me up, told me about the program, I wasn’t sure what I was going to be doing this fall anyways, so I decided to come.

BA: What do you hope to get out of this year at BA- both academically, and athletically?
TR: I want to improve my study habits, so when I get to college I will be able to succeed in the classroom. I also want to get ready for college hockey whether it’s D-I or D-III.
PT: I want to get my SAT scores up, as well as my grades so that I can get into a better college and play hockey at the highest level.

BA: Who is your biggest role model?
TR: My high school hockey coach, Matt Mincone. He introduced me to BA and he was always giving me advice both on and off the ice throughout high school.
PT: My biggest role model would be my Peewee hockey coach, Bill Davis. He was the one who really pushed me and instilled in me a work ethic.

BA: Where do you see yourself in five years?
TR: I will have finished my undergraduate studies and be in grad school, or I will have a steady job in carpentry/ construction. Or I may take a year and travel the US.
PT: If I am not still playing hockey, I hope to be coaching. Helping younger generations get better and work harder.

BA: What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
TR: It means you are part of a group who strive to achieve one common goal.
PT: I think it means be a better person. Know that there is always more you can do, never settle for what you are now.

BA: What are you most looking forward to this year?
TR: I’m looking forward to the Lake Placid showcase tournament. I hope to develop some hockey connections through Coach Lounsbury and Coach Meserve.
PT: I’m also looking forward to the Lake Placid tournament. I have never been to Placid before, but heard a lot about it.

BA: What is your favorite class you are taking right now?
TR: College prep English with Mr. Meserve, and American West History with Mr. Carr.
PT: World War II with Mr. Inzer.

BA: What is your least favorite class?
TR: Anatomy and Physiology because there is so much content and I’m also not a science guy.
PT: CAP English with Mr. Goepel.

BA: What is your favorite team and who is your favorite player?
TR: The Boston Bruins and Pavel Datsyuk.
PT: Easy, San Jose Sharks, and Jerome Iginla.

BA: Do you have any siblings involved in sports?
TR: No, my brothers are not.
PT: No siblings, but my cousin Chris Beville plays soccer at UC Davis.

BA: What is your favorite sports memory that you have been involved in?
TR: Last year in the Martha’s Vineyard Annual Hockey Tournament, in the first round we were playing Hanover, and my slap shot deflected in for the game winner. We then went on to win the championship. We were the first MV team to win the tournament in 12 years.
PT: Last year, the whole season. I was playing for the Tri-Valley Blue Devils, it’s a AA team, I was a captain and our team made it to the national quarter finals. It was our teams first year, and the first time a team from Northern California has gone to nationals.

BA: What is your favorite sports memory that you have not been a part of?
TR: Game seven of the ALCS in ’03 when Aaron Boone hit that walk off homerun.
PT: When Michael Jordan hit the buzzer beater in the ’97 NBA finals.

BA: Do you have any pregame rituals?
TR: Nothing too out of the ordinary, I always put my left skate on first, then my right. I listen to music and try to relax before games.
PT: I put all my left gear on first, left shin guard, then right shin guard, left skate, then right skate. I have someone else tape my stick and I always eat sour Skittles before the game.


BA: Why did you choose to come to Bridgton and not go to college?
TR: I was not the best student, so I wanted to make sure I was prepared and it would be worth my parents’ time and money to send me to college.
PT: Well I’ve already been to a community college, but I wanted to get better grades so that I could go to a better college and play hockey there.

BA: Which colleges have you looked at/ are you interested in?
TR: Northeastern is my reach school, but I want to stay in New England or the North East and be able to play hockey.
PT: It has always been my dream to play for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. San Diego St. has a club hockey team, or I would play at a D-III around here.

BA: What do you listen to for music?
TR: Hip-hop, like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac. Before games I listen to modern rock like Nickleback and sometimes AC/DC.
PT: Eminem – “Fight Music”; 50 Cent – “If I Can’t Do It”; Lil’ Wayne – “I’m Still Fly”; Roy Jones Jr. – “Can’t Be Touched”

BA: Do you have any other hobbies or interesting facts about yourself?
TR: I’m an avid video game player and I’ve been known to be the best on Martha’s Vineyard in Call of Duty.
PT: I read a lot, and swim whenever I can. I used to be on a swim team, and hold a club record from when I was six years old, in the 25 yard.

BA HITS THE ICE

The Wolverine Hockey Team found out no matter how hard they push in the weight room, there is no substitute for ice time. Wednesday September 9th, the boys hit the ice at University of Southern Maine. It was their first of six practices at USM until the Bridgton Ice Arena opens September 24th. "Some guys were rusty, some guys were nervous. We're just looking for guys to go out, have some fun and knock the rust off" said Head Coach Jonathan Lounsbury.

Bridgton will have three short weeks until opening weekend. This years schedule will have 42-45 games including 3 to 4 tournaments and/or showcases.

32 STRONG EQUALS A AND B PROGRAMS

The Wolverine Hockey Team has completed a few challenges this year. Players moved away from home, developed relationships with new teammates, and balance a heavy academic and athletic schedule. However, Coach Lounsbury and Coach Meserve were pleasantly surprised when 32 players reported to BA Hockey. Coach Meserve noted, "We have a total of 32 players this year. Three players are currently on the injury list, four playing baseball and one playing lacrosse".

Due to the large numbers, Bridgton Academy Athletic Director, Brad Smith, gave Coach Lounsbury the OK to schedule 10-15 "B" games. These "B" games will allow the players who need development or experience to play some games. Games will include some Junior B Teams, College Club Teams and some Independent Teams. Traditionally, Bridgton has been forced to cut players who need more seasoning. All 33 players will share the same facilities, practice at the same time and be counted on to motivate and inspire each other throughout the season.

The upcoming schedule is close to completing and should be posted on the website by next week.

WOLVERINE HOCKEY ALUM 1, TUNA 0

Chris Smith, Wolverine Hockey Player and Bridgton Academy Class of 2009, caught this 180 lb. Bluefin Tuna early Thursday morning from his boat "Off-Ice". Chris was getting his last day of fishing in before he heads off to the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine on Saturday. This was a great way to end his summer before he begins his Marine Biology studies at UNE.

A Bit of Hill Running- Fun For All

On the last day of pre-season all the teams were out taking advantage and getting in a good workout. The hockey team chose to spend some quality time on the hill doing a bit of running. Starting out with a dozen or so hill sprints, followed by "buddy climbs"- running the hill with a teammate on your back.

Coach Lounsbury and Coach Meserve are looking forward to the season, and are determined to make sure the 2009-2010 Wolverine Hockey Team hits the ice in shape.