Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Troy Maybury '07 Named Northeast-10 Conference Player of The Week


Former Bridgton Academy Hockey player Troy Maybury was recently named the Northeast-10 Conference Player of The Week after scoring 5 goals with 2 assists last week over the course of Southern New Hampshire University's 3 games. For the season, Troy has scored 19 goals and 13 assists in 23 games for the Penmen.

For the official release click here

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

BA DROPS LAWRENCEVILLE 4-2


Playing their third game of the weekend, a weary Bridgton Team took on Lawrenceville Academy at Lawrenceville, NJ. Period one was a very uninspiring period. BA lacked their normal fire and intensity and were outshot 13-5 in the period. Bridgton were also in the penalty box for 8 out of 18 minutes. Thanks to the strong play of goalie Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs) BA went into the break even 0-0. In period one, BA had difficulty moving the puck out of their zone and struggled greatly getting through the neutral zone. "Turnovers and penalties killed us in the first period. If we can't move the puck to an open guy and continue to take dumb penalties, we're going to be in trouble", said Head Coach Jamie Printz.


Whatever Coach Printz said after the first period really seemed to pick up the Wolverines. With an increased tempo and toughness along the boards, Bridgton finally put some sustained pressure on Lawrenceville. BA fired 10 shots, while Lawrenceville only managed 3. BA started the game scoring when Tom Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) banged in his first goal of the game. Rich Asselin (Westfield, MA) and Matt Delgiudice (Oakland, ME/Meskalonkee HS) picked up the assists. Unfortunately, Lawrenceville only walked out down 1-0 to the Wolverines.


The third period was a entirely different affair. Both teams opened up the offense and blasted the puck toward the goal from everywhere. BA fired 12 shots on goal while Lawrenceville took 9. Paine added his second goal of the game to give BA a 2-0 led. However, Lawrenceville wasn't done. BA had had difficulty playing with a lead all weekend. Lawrenceville scored their first with 15 minutes in the third and tied the game with just over 1 minute left in the game. A disappointed BA team were left with just over 60 seconds to redeem themselves. Defenseman, Kyle Campana (Boxboro, MA/Walpole Express) took a feed from Paine and Sean Travis (Scituate, MA/ Bridgfton Academy) and beat the Lawrenceville goalie to give BA a 3-2 lead. For good measure, Delgiudice added an empty net goal to seal the win.


BA went 1-1-1 over their three game road trip. In 3 games, Tom Paine had 3 goals, 5 assists and Ben Pearl 2 goals, 2 assists. The Wolverines also had some great off ice experience thanks to Pam Specht and her friend Tony.


PAM AND TONY LOVE BA HOCKEY







One of the great things about making a 9 hour ride to Pennsylvania is the BA Hockey Team gets to meet their biggest hockey supporter. After a tough 2-2 tie against The Hill School, Pam Specht, parent of Justin Sands (BA 01), played a very generous hostess when she took the entire team out to dinner Saturday night. The team was treated to dinner at the famous steak and seafood restaurant, "The Pit Stop". The menu ranged from Coach Printz's favorite meal, Maryland Crabcakes to Nick Marshall's (Bridgton, ME/Lake Region HS) giant burger and chicken parm. Additonally, Ben Pearl (Essex, VT), Phil Baker-Coe (Acton, MA), Eric Seigel (Wilimington, MA) and Coach Meserve all tackled the 36oz Delmonico Steak. After a very filling meal and a good nights sleep, the team was again surprise when Pam graciously took the team for Sunday brunch. Prime rib, baked ham, omellets, waffles provided the team with needed energy for their game against Lawrenceville Academy.

The entire Wolverine Hockey Program would like to thank Pam and her friend Tony for all their love and support.

Monday, February 16, 2009

BA AND HILL BATTLE


Traditionally Bridgton Academy and The Hill School have played some remarkable games. Hill Alum and Bridgton Academy Head Coach Jamie Printz look forward to this game each and every year. "Over the past 4 or 5 years we most of the games have been close with a few decided in overtime", said Head Coach Jamie Printz.


The game started and finished with energy, determination and pride. The first period saw both teams pressure the others constantly, with Hill scoring the only goal of the period. Bridgton and Hill punished each other along the boards and play outstanding end zone defense. Bridgton managed to outshoot Hiil 9-8 in the first period.


The second period was similar to the first, hard nose, hard hitting and high energy. Eric Clemmenson (Framington, CT/Tabor Academy) tied the score with Tom Paine(Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) and Alex Young (Lynnfield, MA). With the scored knotted a 1-1, Bridgton and Hill continued to battle through the third period. Hill gained the upper hand on a redirect goal, off a Hill player's skate. Bridgton would not be denied and answer back Ben Pearl (Essex, VT) finished off a nice feed from Paine.


With the scored tied at 2, Hill and Bridgton went into OT for the second straight year. Hill out shot Bridgton in OT, but goalie Mike Pearless (Framingham, MA) was played spectacular. He turned aside all 5 shots he faced to preserve the tie. Hill managed to outshoot Bridgton 32-30 thanks to a 6-5 penalty advantage.


Bridgton travels to Lawrenceville Academy Sunday for their final road game.

THIRD PERIOD EQUALS DISASTER


Hockey is played for 3 periods. BA found this out the hard way Friday evening. After suffering a loss at the hands of Wyoming Seminary three weeks ago in Lake Placid, the Wolverines came out looking for revenge. Nick Marshall (Bridgton, ME/Lake Region HS) banged in a Ben Pearl (Essex, VT) rebound to give BA a 1-0 lead. Pearl followed up with a power play goal of his own 4 minutes later. Things looked good at this point for the Wolverines. The second period saw the Wolverines increase their lead after Eric Seigel (Wilmington, MA) score another power play goal for the Wolverines. BA followed up with goal by DJ Haskins (Quincy, MA/Archbishop Williams HS) and Tom Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS). At this point, BA was pretty much in control. They played strong defensively and made few turnovers in the defensive zone.


With four minutes remaining in the second period, Wyoming Seminary closed the gap with two power play goals of their own. BA went into the second intermission leading 5-2. The third period saw Wyoming again converting on two more power play making it a 5-4 BA lead. At this point, BA struggled moving the puck and Wyoming made them pay. With 7 minutes remaining in the game, Wyoming scored the tying goal. A stunned Bridgton bench looked on in disbelief.


BA and Wyoming were forced to settle this in OT. Luckily for Bridgton, Wyoming committed an infraction and were down going into OT. Bridgton did a nice job setting up in the offensive zone, moving the puck around looking for an opening. However, luck was against the Wolverines as a Seminary player scooped up a bouncing puck and went on on a breakaway to win the game 6-5 for Wyoming. Even in defeat, some players picked up their game. Paine (1 goal, 2 assists) and Pearl (1 goal, 2 assists) played some outstanding hockey for Bridgton. "Ben logged some serious ice time today. Ben has been great quarterbacking our power play and we had him out there on everyone we had tonight", said Head Coach Jamie Printz.


Bridgton will play Saturday 1:00pm against the Hill School.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Weekend Scores

We will submit full game reports when we return on Monday.

Friday - BA 5, Wyoming Sem 6 (ot)
Saturday - BA 2, Hill 2 (ot)
Sunday - BA 4, Lawrenceville 2

Long trip, good times.

Thanks Pam!

Monday, February 9, 2009

BRIDGTON/TRAVIS DEFEAT PICS IN GAME 2


Sunday's game versus Springfield Pics was just what the doctor ordered. BA managed to dress only 4 defensemen, 1 goalie and 10 forwards in game 2. Bridgton Academy and Springfield Pics play a very similar style of play. Both teams brought the same intensity, intelligence and pride for this rematch. Springfield continued where they let off the night before. Peppering goalie Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs) with 23 shots in the first two periods. "Steven (Sisler) really gutted out those first two periods. He's been banged up most of the week and when Mike (Pearless) went down yesterday, he really stepped it up for the team," said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve. Springfield managed 3 goals in the first two frames, but the goals were the third and fourth shots in some cases. Not to sit back and wait, BA manage 28 shots of their own through two. Captain Sean Travis (Scituate, MA/Bridgton Academy) started BA scoring attack by streaking down the left wing and burying a wrist shot in the upper left hand corner. Ben Pearl (Essex, VT) picked up the assist after a nice feed to Travis.

A tired and wary BA team had every reason to pack it in after two periods. However, Travis put BA on his shoulders and led like a Captain should. He scored his second goal of the game 54 seconds into the third period. Then, 8 minutes later, Travis had a hat trick by scoring on the power play. Matt Delgiudice (Oakland, ME/Messkalonkee HS) added his second assist of the game on Travis' power play goal. With the game tied Travis decided to share the goal scoring. Eric Clemmenson (Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) scored the game winning goal on the power play, with assists going to Tom Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) and Kyle Campana (Boxboro,MA/Walpole Express). "We did a great job on the power play today. We moved the puck around, showing some patience and not forcing the play. Clemmenson is a big, strong kid, who battles in front of the net and will sacrifice his body to bang one in" said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve.

BA put the game out of reach with 9 minutes to play when Travis added his fourth goal of the game, helped by Delgiudice, who picked up his third assist. "Guys really stepped up this weekend. Guys thought of the team first. The team played hard, tough and smart" quoted Assistant Captain Matt Delgiudice. "Some players really need to be congratulated and thanked for their hard work. Players like Phil Baker-Coe (Acton-Boxboro,MA), Barrett Elliot (Foxboro,MA/Bishop Feehan), Brendan Hambleton (Nahant, MA/Swampscott HS) and Nick Marshall (Bridgton, MA/Lake Region HS) all were called on to log some serious ice time this weekend. I was extremely proud of each and every player who played this weekend", said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve.

Overall, it was a great weekend for the Wolverines. Counting Thursday's victory over rivals Hebron Academy, Bridgton went 2-1. In three games, Travis had 6 goals and 3 assists, Delgiudice 1 goal, 8 assists and Paine added 2 goals, 3 assists.

BA is hoping to continue its strong play and get all players back when they head west for their last road trip. BA will play Wyoming Seminary Friday, The Hill School, Saturday and Lawrenceville Sunday.

Chris Travis (BA '06) in the News


courtesy of University of Southern Maine Website

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Chris Travis Named ECAC East Player of the Week

GORHAM, Maine -- Junior forward Chris Travis (Scituate, Mass.) of the University of Southern Maine men's ice hockey team has been named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Men's East Player of the Week for his outstanding performance during the week of January 26 through February 1.

The announcement was made today by the ECAC office located in Centerville, Mass. This is the time in his collegiate career that Travis has won a weekly ECAC award. He is the first member of the Huskies to be recognized this season.

In two games against in-state rivals Colby College and Bowdoin College, Travis scored five goals and dished out two assists as the Huskies took three of a possible four points. In a 5-2 win over Colby, the 6-foot forward registered his second career hat trick, which included the game-winning goal and a short-handed tally, and an assist for a four-point night. The next afternoon at Bowdoin, he scored a pair of goals and recorded another assist in a 6-6 tie.

The seven-point weekend moved Travis up to fourth on the USM score sheet
with 17 points on 10 goals and seven assists.

Southern Maine, presently in fourth place in the latest ECAC East standings, will host a pair of games this weekend. Skidmore College visits the USM Ice Arena on Friday (7:00 p.m.) and Castleton State College comes to town on Saturday (4:00 p.m.).


DEPLETED WOLVERINES DROP GAME 1 TO PICS

Normally, an ice hockey team dresses 20 players consisting of 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies. However,on their most recent roadtrip, BA only had available 10 forwards, 5 defensemen and 2 goalies. The two game series against the Springfield would prove a most difficult test. Springfield was also looking to pay Bridgton back for a 6-1 defeat in Lake Placid, NY.

The Pics started the first period with an aggressive play, which led to Bridgton to turn to puck over repeatedly. The Pics put 18 shots on goalie Mike Pearless (Framingham, MA)in the first period alone. The high quality shot selection by the Pics, produced 3 goals and numerous scoring opportunities. By asserting their physical presence, the Pics dominated along the boards and in front of the Bridgton goal. The lone bright spot in the first period was a picture perfect shot from Matt Delgiudice (Oakland, ME/Messalonskee HS) to the upper corner of the net. Bridgton was lucky to be heading in to the 1st intermission only down 3-1.

The second period saw the Wolverines pick up all aspects of their game. The intensity levels seemed to help them control the puck and create more offensive pressure. BA fired 17 shots on goal this period and was rewarded with two goals. Rich Asselin (Westfield, MA), banged in a rebound on the power play with the assists going to Sean Travis (Scituate, MA) and Delgiudice. One minute after the BA goal, Springfield answered right back to make it a 2 goal game. Not to be outworked in period two, Travis cut the deficit to one with a goal of his own to make it 4-3 after two.

The third period saw the high tempo play continue. Three minutes into the third, Tom Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) tied the game with assists going to Eric Seigel (Wilmington, MA) and Eric Clemmenson (Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy). Bridgton was really firing on all cylinders. As a team, they moved the puck well and played great positional and physical hockey.

At this point, the game changed drastically. Unknown to everyone, including players, coaches and fans, the referees called 13 penalties in period 3. The previous two periods, the referee allowed the players to play, except for some obvious infractions. BA finished with an uncharacteristic 12 total penalties and the Pics finished with 9. Additionally, Delgiudice scored a game tying goal which was disallowed by the officials after a major penalty was called by a linesman.

Overall, a very strange period and ultimately, BA couldn't finish off the Pics when they had their chances. BA continued to fight through the adversity. With 5 minutes left in the game, Ben Pearl (Essex, VT) scored to bring BA back to within one, but it was as close as BA would get. Besides suffering a 6-5 loss, BA also lost goalie Mike Pearless and defenseman Chris Smith (Salem, MA) to injuries in the third period.

"I was very proud of out team tonight. Having only 17 players available for this game was a tough challenge. They battled through a lot and still managed to play a great game of hockey" said Head Coach Jamie Printz.

Friday, February 6, 2009

BRIDGTON WINS FABELLO-POWELL CUP

Bridgton Academy and Hebron Academy faced off Thursday night with the famed Fabello-Powell Cup up for grabs. The cup goes to whichever rival school wins their annual hockey matchup. From the start of the game Hebron attacked relentlessly, utilizing speed and puck control. However, Chris Smith (Salem, MA)forced a neutral zone turnover, pass over to Thomas Paine(Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) who immediately blasted a slap shot over the shoulder of the Hebron goalie. Not to be denied, Hebron came right back with two goals and a 2-1 lead. Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs)faced shot after shot, turning aside 12 shots in the first period.

The second period saw the Wolverines come out hungry and looking to carry the play. The Wolverines moved the puck more efficiently and improved their end zone defense. "The first period was not our best hockey. We played timid, slow and definitely turned the puck over too much", said Head Coach Jamie Printz. Eric Clemmenson (Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) scored to tie the game with the assist going to Paine. Less than two minutes later, Matt Delgiudice (Oakland, ME/Messalonkee HS) and Sean Travis (Scituate, MA/Bridgton Academy) assisted on a slap shot from Quinn Junta (Reading, MA). The Wolverines out shot Hebron 9-7 and went into intermission with a 3-2 lead.

The third period was a classic hard nose battle. Both teams were extremely physical and worked hard along the boards. Hebron continued to press the attack and finally broke Sisler's wall to tie the game. The Wolverines answered right back when Travis won a battle in front and banged home a rebound. Both Delgiudice and Ben Pearl (Essex, VT) were brilliant along the boards in the offensive zone setting up Travis' goal. Once again, down one goal Hebron came storming back. They pressured over and over and knotted up the game at 4-4. With just under 5 minutes remaining, the Wolverines found themselves on the power play. Coach Printz wisely called a timeout to devise a plan for this important power play. The power play unit set up in the offensive zone, moving the puck around trying to find an opening to exploit. Paine took a feed from defenseman Alex Young(Lynnfield, MA) fired a low shot on net, which was redirected by Eric Seigel (Wilmington, MA) for the game winner.

This emotional and high spirited game went down to the final buzzer. Sisler preserved the win with 3 point blank saves in the final 5 seconds and finished the game with 31 saves. Captain Sean Travis, who is the only player in the history of Bridgton Academy Hockey to win the Fabello-Powell Cup two times, carried it back to Bridgton where it would stay for one more year.

Bridgton will travel to Springfield, MA to play two games against the Springfield Pics Saturday 615pm and Sunday 1030am.

Monday, February 2, 2009

SCHEDULE CHANGE!!!!!!!

The Bridgton Academy versus Hebron Academy game has been re-scheduled to Thursday February 5, 2009. The game will be played at 745pm at Hebron.

WOLVERINES STUN STANSTEAD 5-2

For two periods, the Wolverines struggled against Stanstead College. They were in penalty trouble most of the time and didn't assert their physical control as they had against Stanstead in the past. After two periods, the Wolverines were outshot 19-16. The only thing keeping BA in the game was the play of goalie Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs). "Sisler played extremely well for us today. We left him on his own a few times and he stood on his head to make a few saves" said Assistant coach Mike Meserve.

The third period was a whole different story. Bridgton outshot Stanstead 11-8 and played hard, physical and smart hockey. Players were relentless around the net, screening the Standstead goalie and attacking rebounds. BA's hard work paided off with 5 unanswered goals in the third period. The line of DJ Haskins(Archbishop Williams HS/Quincy, MA) 3 goals, Rich Asselin(Westfield, MA) 3 assists and Fred Hein (North Reading, MA) 2 assists, paced the BA offense. Eric Seigel(Wilmington, MA) and Eric Clemmenson(Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) each added a goal to help seal the Bridgton Academy win. Sisler finished with 25 saves and earning himself the win.

WOLVERINES FALL IN GAME 2




In game two of their home and home match up, the Wolverines traveled to Canton, MA to take on the Boston Advantage. The game started exactly like game one, tons of physical play, good defensive zone play and no scoring. Bridgton fired 10 shots on goal in the first, while Boston Advantage answered with 4. Strong physical play along the boards in the first allowed Bridgton to carry the tempo. Additionally, Bridgton played very intelligent hockey in all zones of the arena.

The second period started out just like the first. However, penalties and defensive zone mistake allowed the Advantage to outshoot BA 9-7. "Defensive and Neutral Zone turnovers killed us in the second period. The Advantage capitalize all night on our mistakes", said Head Coach Jamie Printz. After two periods, the Advantage scored on a neutral zone turnover and converted a power play for a 2-1 lead.

The third period showed a determine BA team trying to fight and claw their way back into the game. They outshot the Advatage 12-8, but were unable to find the back of the net. The Advantage meanwhile scored two more to take a 4-0 lead. "We put a lot of shots on net tonight, but very little high quality shots came from the slot. We were unable or unwilling to penetrate the Advantage goal area and it cost us", said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve. Goalie Mike Pearless (Framingham, MA) finished the night with 17 saves in the lost.

On Sunday, Bridgton travels north to Canada for a rematch against Standstead Collage.

WOLVERINES BEST ADVANTAGE IN GAME ONE

The Wolverines defeated Boston Advantage 2-1 Friday evening at Bridgton Ice Arena. This highly anticipated game was played with tons of passion by both sides. Both teams have a nice blend of speed and toughness and it was on full display Friday night. The secret to Bridgton early success was their ability to play solid end zone defense. "I thought we worked the puck out of our zone well. Our wingers dropped low for the first pass and the weakside wing was in the right position" said Head Coach Jamie Printz. Also, the Wolverines were particularly sucessful playing below the hash marks in the offensive zone. "We have some pretty big and strong forwards. the protect the puck well and really play aggressive along the boards", said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve

The first two periods showed a textbook defensive game. Both teams allowed very few second shot on their goalies. Bridgton was certainly aggressive in their end of the ice. "Guys like Chris Smith (Salem, MA), Pat Mahoney (Scituate, MA), Allen Fessette (Plattsburgh, NY) and Alex Young (Lynnfield, MA) certainly controlled the play in our zone. They were very efficient at finishing checks and making the Advantage forwards earned every inch of ice" quoted Assistant Coaching Jason Leveille. The Advantage goalie turned aside 23 shots, some at point blank range, through the first two periods. Bridgton goalie, Steven Sisler (Plano, TX/Alliance Bulldogs) equaled the Advantage keeper, turning aside 15 shots on goal.

The third period started just like the first two, hard nose play, quick transition outlets and drives to the net. Boston Advantage broke the scoreless tie and looked to steal a victory from the Wolverines. However, the Wolverines answered the bell by pressuring the Advantage over and over. Finally, The Wolverines converted a power play opportunity. Thomas Paine (Superior, WI/Duluth Marshall HS) slide the puck low to Eric Seigel (Wilimington, MA), who saucered a gorgeous pass to a driving Eric Clemmenson (Farmington, CT/Tabor Academy) who one timed the puck for their first Wolverine goal.

With the scored tied, the Wolverines kept up the pressure and took the lead with 8 minutes remaining in the game. Fred Hein (North Reading, MA) broke the tie from a beautiful feed from DJ Haskins (Quincy, MA/Archbishop Williams HS) and Rich Asselin (Westfield, MA). "Fred drove to the net and buried a feed from DJ. We have been preaching all week about attacking the net and Fred obviously did exactly what the coaching staff talked about", said Assistant Coach Mike Meserve. The Wolverines needed to hold off the Advantage for another 8 minutes. Sisler was brilliant, stopping shot after shot the Advantage threw his way. One of his final saves was a butterfly slide to the right post, stopping an Advantage one timer with his toe. When the final buzzer sounded the Wolverines prevailed with their well fought 2-1 win.