Wildcat hockey squad set to play in Bangor preseason tourney

Presque Isle's Thomas Patenaude puts a wrist shot over Camden Hills goalie Matt Czuchra's right shoulder during a playoff match last season. Patenaude is one of several key returnees for the Wildcats, who play in an exhibition tournament Nov. 24 in Bangor. (Courtesy of Dave Allen Graphics)

The defending Class B runners-up Presque Isle hockey team is getting ready for an early tune-up for the 2018-19 season. 

The Wildcats will compete in the annual John Bapst Preseason Tournament Nov. 24 at the Sawyer Arena in Bangor.

Carl Flynn begins his 14th season as coach of the PI squad and the team returns several veterans in its quest for a championship.

The tourney begins Nov. 23, but the Wildcats will play all three of their games on the second day of the event. Presque Isle will play Yarmouth at 9:50 a.m., the host Crusaders at 1:20 p.m. and Houlton at 6:10 p.m.

Other teams participating are the Old Town/Orono, Hampden, Bangor and Camden Hills varsity teams and the Bangor and Old Town/Orono JVs.

The regular season for Presque Isle will begin Dec. 7 with a home match against Camden Hills.