PI picks up first hockey win of season
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Wildcats were able to snap a seven-game losing streak to begin the season when they bested the Blackhawks, a co-op team representing Houlton, Hodgdon, Southern Aroostook and Katahdin, at the Forum Thursday by a score of 3-1.
The victory avenged a loss at Houlton last month.
Freshman Riley Kinney scored his first career goal to open the scoring in the first period, with Denny Young picking up the assist. Classmates Jake Stevens and Thomas Patenaude were the other Wildcat goal scorers, both coming in the second period. For Stevens, it was his first varsity goal. Bailey York had the assist on Patenaude’s goal.
Josh Malone scored in the second period for the Blackhawks only goal.
Jillian Flynn of the Wildcats faced 24 shots to pick up the win in goal, while Nate Lilly faced 27 in goal for the Blackhawks.
“The game was a bit sloppy, but we kept our penalties to a minimum,” said PI coach Carl Flynn following the victory. “We were happy to see Riley and Jake scored the first goals of their young careers.”
On Saturday, the ’Cats fell behind 2-0 after the first period and ended up losing at home to Winslow, 5-1. Cooper Madore had the only goal for Presque Isle, with Flynn picking up the assist from her goalie position. She faced 32 shots in the game, while the Black Raiders’ Andrew Beals faced 29. Jacob Trask had two goals to key the Winslow offense.
“We hung in for most of the game, but not all 45 minutes,” said coach Flynn. “Those few breakdowns led to Winslow goal, showing our youth and inexperience.”
In their next match, Presque Isle hosts Waterville Saturday at 7:15 p.m.