HOULTON – On the path to another trophy-winning season, the Presque Isle High School varsity hockey team claimed first prize in this weekend’s pre-season tournament at Houlton. The Wildcat’s tied and lost one game while winning three for the tournament championship.
Staff photo/Gloria Austin Junior Dylan Collins moves the puck up the ice in the championship game of this weekend’s pre-season tournament against Houlton.
The Wildcats broke even in their first game to tie with the Pioneers, 2-2. Brennen Shaw and Greg Cyr slammed the puck past the opponent goalie assisted by Dylan Collins and Brandon Daigle. In game two, John Bapst pulled away with the 3-1 win with two goals in the closing minutes of the final period. Daigle had the single Wildcat point off a pass from Parker Hovey.
In the third game, PIHS ousted Camden, 4-1. Mark Carvell slid the puck past the Camden keeper assisted by teammates Steve Ford and Mitch Davis. Zac Campbell made the second score on a pass by Shaw. Sean Flanagin made the final score working with Matt Talbot. The Wildcats dominated their fourth game against Old Town for the 3-1 victory. Daigle and Carvell both made goals unassisted and Shaw boosted the Wildcat victory assisted by Collins.
Presque Isle faced Houlton in a tense championship game. The score remained tied at the end of regulation time. The Wildcats skated back onto the ice for 15 minutes of overtime, but neither team found a gap in their opponent’s defense. Presque Isle’s Daigle scored, tipped the Wildcat score with the only goal in a five-man shootout.
Wildcat Ethan Hill kept the net all but one period of the tournament when Josh MacFarlane tested his freshman skills in the keeper pads.
“I thought we had good speed and physically dominated,” commented coach Carl Flynn. “We looked unpolished but we have the potential.” Flynn noted the teamwork show by the Shaw, Collins and Campbell lineup.
Presque Isle hockey opens their regular season against Old Town at home on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
