WOLVERINE WEEKEND PREVIEW

The Bridgton Academy Hockey Team is preparing hard for an upcoming three game weekend. They open the weekend with a home and home series against Boston Advantage. Game One will be played at Bridgton Ice Arena, Friday evening 7:00pm. Game two will be a noon contest at Canton Sportplex in Canton, MA. Sunday, the Wolverines will then head north of the border for Game Three and take on Standstead College at 11:00am.

BA FALTERS IN MINI-GAME

The Wolverines came up short versus Wyoming Seminary in their 15 minute mini-game. Wyoming Seminary escaped with a 2-0 victory, which included an empty net goal. BA came out on fire, hoping to eliminate Wyoming Seminary and advance to the semi-finals. In 15 minutes of hockey, the Wolverines outshot Wyoming Seminary 10-5. BA controlled most of game, with the exception of one odd man rush. Wyoming Seminary attacked 2 on 1 after a BA turnover and beat Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs) when the Wyoming Seminary forward slide a pass over to the driving winger, who deposited a perfect shot just above Sisler’s pad.

Bridgton continued to pepper the Wyoming Seminary goalie, but were unable to find the back of the net. BA exploited an open high slot for many one time chances. Finally, with just a minute remaining, BA pulled Sisler and pressed the attacked over and over. Wyoming Seminary got a huge break when they gained a loose puck and shot it the length of the ice for an empty net goal.

“I think we played a solid game, we just didn’t finish our chances. We controlled the tempo of the game especially in the offensive end. They capitalize on a mistake and are moving on to the semi-finals” quoted winger Eric Clemmenson (Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy). Clemmenson and linemates Eric Seigel (Wilimington, MA) and Tom Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) were offensive forces throughout the tournament by pressuring opponents and creating numerous turnovers. “We really step up as a line this tournament. We played smart hockey and worked for each and every puck” said Paine.

Weekend Statistics (3 Games)
Eric Clemmenson: 3 goals, 3 assists, +5
Alex Young: 2 goals, 2 assists, +2
Tom Paine: 1 goal, 3 assists, +4
Eric Seigel: 1 goal, 2 assists, +4
DJ Haskins: 2 goals, 2 assists, +4
Sean Travis: 3 goals, +3
Fred Hein: 3 goals, +3
Kyle Campana 3 assists, +6
Mike Pearless 2 GP, 2 Wins, 1.20 GAA, 953 save %
Steven Sisler 1 GP 1 Win, 2.40 GAA, .909 save %

BA LIKES LAKE PLACID

NJ Hitmen U-19 team looked to play the spoilers Saturday afternoon. Bridgton Academy's matchup vs the Hitmen was a very physical battle and proved Bridgton has grown by showing maturity and restraint during this hard hitting energetic affair.
BA needed this win to reach Sunday's winners bracket. Both BA and the Hitmen came out flying. Each team looked to punish the others along the boards, in front of the goal and anywhere else each could find an opponent.

Quinn Junta(Reading, MA) opened the Wolverine scoring with a shot from the point. The Hitmen answered right back with a goal of their own. However, Fred Hein (North Reading, MA) took a feed from defenseman Kyle Campana (Boxboro, MA/Walpole Express)gained the zone and beat the Hitmen goalie with a snipe to the upper right hand corner. Even with a 2-1 lead, BA was outshot 16-12 in the first period. "Mike (Pearless) (Framingham, MA) was forced to make save after save to keep us in the game, We had some defensive zone breakdowns and left Mike on his own a few times" said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve.

A good offense is sometimes the best defense and BA must of had that in mind when they took the ice in the second period. Fred Hein scored the with another perfect shot depositing the puck in the upper left hand corner. The Wolverines continued to pressure NJ putting the game out of reach with goals from Tom Paine(Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) and Captain Sean Travis(Scituate, MA/Bridgton Academy). Mike Pearless finished with 22 saves, definately helped by BA's strong and physical defense. "Lots of guys stepped up this game. Chris Smith(Salem HS) and blueline newcomer Allan Fessette(Beekmanstown HS, Platsburgh, NY) battled each and every shift" said Assistant Coach Jason Leveille. BA used a combination of speed, toughness and intelligence to win the game.

Even with a perfect 3-0 record, Bridgton will need to play a mini-game versus Wyoming Seminary. Both teams were 3-0 in their bracket and will play a 15 minute game Sunday 8am. If the game is tied after 15 minutes, each team plays 3-3 for 5 minutes then 2-2 until someone scores. The winner of the game will advance to the semi-finals at 9am.

BA CONTINUES TO ROLL

Bridgton Academy defeated Brewster Bulldogs 5-2 Friday evening. Bridgton played inspired hockey from start to finish. Controlling the tempo, great end zone defense and smart forechecking had BA outshooting their opponents 20-8 after the first 25 minute period. Fred Hein (North Reading, MA) started the scoring finishing a perfect backdoor pass from DJ Haskins(Quincy, MA/Archbishop Williams, HS). However, all the great pressure and balance attack only saw BA up 1-0 at the break.

The second peiod started poorly for BA as Brewster connected on 2 straight power play goals. "Penalty trouble allowed Brewster to creep back into the game. They were very proficient on the power play and made us pay with those two quick goals" noted Assistant Coach Jason Leveille. Down 2-1, the BA machine went to work. Defenseman, Alex Young (Lynnfield, MA) blasted a slap shot from the point for a power play goal. Sean Travis(Scituate, MA/Bridgton Academy) then put BA up for good with his 2nd goal of the tournament. Matt Delgiudice(Oakland, ME/Messalonskee HS) and Haskins picked up the assists on Travis' goal. Brewster pulled their goal and Clemmenson scored on an empty net to seal the win. However, with 3 seconds remaining, Clemmenson scored his second goal of the game connecting a one timer from Eric Seigel(Wilmington, MA).

Steven Sisler(Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs) stopped 28 shots for the victory. Eric Clemmenson(Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) and DJ Haskins(Quincy, MA/Archbishop Williams HS) continued their strong tournament play. BA has been led offensively by Clemmenson who has 6 points, Tom Paine(Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) 3 points, Young 3 points and Haskins 4 points through two games. Assistant Coach Mike Meserve noted,"We have been sucessful this weekend because everyone is stepping up, everyone chipping in. If you look at the score sheet every line is producing in some way." BA finishes their preliminary bracket play with a game Saturday 3pm versus NJ Hitmen U-19 team.

BA TAKES GAME 1 VS SPRINGFIELD PICS

The Wolverines defeated the Springfield Pics 6-1. It may have been a good night's rest or a visit to Lake Placid, but the Wolverines came out firing. Consistency has been a major concern for the Wolverines, however the Bridgton Coaching staff had their team prepared for battle. "We had a great week or practices. Players were very focused and responded the high tempo planning" said Bridgton Head Coach Jamie Printz.

The first period saw Bridgton play superb end zone defense. Defensmen, Alex Young(Lynnfield, MA) , Pat Mahoney(Scituate, MA) and Kyle Campana(Boxboro, MA/Walpole Express), were very physical in their zone. The punishing checks delivered cause numerous turnovers and swift breakouts by the Wolverines. Goalie, Mike Pearless(Framingham, MA), was solid in net. "Mike was very focused and in control tonight. When he was forced to move side to side, he exploded over and set himself and was ready for the next shot" said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve.

Offensively, BA worked hard at keeping the puck below the hash marks. DJ Haskins(Quincy/Archbishop Williams HS) finished a nice feed from Eric Clemmenson(Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) for the first goal of the game. Captain Sean Travis(Scituate, MA/Bridgton Academy), banged in a rebound with the assists going to Rich Asselin(Westfield, MA) and Quinn Junta(Reading, MA). DJ Haskins finished the first period scoring for his second goal of the game.

BA continued to dominate the second period with goals from Eric Seigel (Wilmington, MA), Clemmenson and a power play goal from Young. For the game, Clemmenson finished with 1 goal and 2 assists, Tom Paine(Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) 2 assists, Haskins 2 goals and Young 1 goal and 1 assist. Bridgton continued to look sharp in their end of the ice, playing solid end zone defense and winning battles along the boards.

"Overall, it was one of our best games of the year. By winning our one on one battles, we helped ourselves in our zone. I was proud how we put together a complete effort", said Head Coach, Jamie Printz.

BRIDGTON ARRIVES AT HISTORIC LAKE PLACID

The BA Hockey Team left Bridgton, ME and traveled west for 5 hours and arrived Thursday at historic Lake Placid, NY. For many players, this is their first visit to the home of the 1980 US Gold Medal winning Olympic Ice Hockey Team. Bridgton Academy Team Manager, Cam Meserve is making his first visit to Lake Placid. Cam has an autograph from 1980 Olympic goalie Jim Craig and was amazed he is able to stand in the same rink as the Olympic Hero.

Bridgton is schedule to play it first game Friday 11am vs The Springfield Pics. This game will be played at the Herb Brooks Arena. Bridgton will then face-off against the Brewster Bulldogs at 530pm. Saturday, Bridgton plays NJ Hitmen at 330pm. There are two 10 team brackets where the top two teams in each advance to the semi-finals on Sunday.

Junior Wolverine of the Day

The Bridgton Academy Ice Hockey had a little extra help this Saturday. The BA Wolverines donated a special gift to the Fundraising Program of Western Maine Youth Hockey. Western Maine sold raffle tickets for a "Junior Wolverine of the Day" prize.

This years winner, Brennan Lane, spent the day with the BA Hockey Team. It started with meeting Assistant Coach Mike Meserve, Team Manager Cam Meserve and Goalies Mike Pearless and Steven Sisler. Brennan received a tour of campus and spent time in the Wolverine Team Room. After the tour, Brennan ate brunch with the team and played a little bubble hockey with the team manager. He then assisted team manager Cam Meserve getting the Wolverines ready for their game against Stanstead College.

After the game, Brennan was presented Wolverine Players Award by Captain Sean Travis. Brennan lives in Bridgton and is a goalie for Western Maine White Squirt Team.

Hockey Falls to Glades

The Wolverine hockey team returned to action after 4 weeks without a game, and dropped a tough one to the Green Mountain Glades of the EJHL by a 4-3 score. The Glades opened the scoring in the first half (2-25 min halves), but Eric Siegel responded quickly on the power play to even the score. The Glades scored a power play goal less than 2 minutes later to take a 2-1 lead, but Ben Pearl responded with a power play goal of his own to even the score at two before the end of the first half.

The Glades scored a goal 30 seconds into the second half, but it didn't take long for Kyle Campana to even the score back at three. A second Glades power play goal with six minutes remaining would be the final goal of the game. The Wolverines had their chances to tie the game, but couldn't find the back of the net. Steven Sisler made 28 saves for Bridgton Academy.

The second Glades game was canceled, but the Wolverines face off against the Springfield Jr. Falcons of the EJHL on Sunday, January 11 at 1:00 at the Olympia Rink in Springfield, MA.

Game 2 vs Glades Canceled

Saturday's game vs the Glades has been canceled. Game 1 was a 4-3 loss. More details to follow. The game in Springfield is still on.

Time vs Glades has Changed

The game time for Friday, Jan 9, has changed to 12:40pm. The game is still at Leddy Park. Hopefully we will get details on Saturday soon.

Winter Storm Delays Return

The impending winter storm will delay the return from break. Practice for Wednesday, January 7 has been tentatively rescheduled for 10:00pm. Check back for updates.