Young hockey players in the Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association enjoyed a busy weekend of skating.
On Saturday, in Carleton, New Brunswick, Aroostook Auto Tech peewees won 4-0 over Florenceville. Scoring goals were Maddie Marino (two), Garrett Fitzpatrick and Jed Gilpatrick. Sunday at St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Aroostook Auto Tech peewees lost 5-2. Goals were scored by Maddie Marino and Lucas Gregory, with assists for Marino and Josh McGillicuddy.
The Varney Agency Bantams traveled to Bangor Sunday morning to face the Maine Jr. Black Bears Navy for two games. Due to two injuries, SAMHA came in shorthanded with a goalie and seven skaters. SAMHA started strong jumping to a 3-0 lead in the first period with two goals by Kurtis Reynolds goals were assisted by Jason Collett and Aidan Johnson. Logan Swallow scored the other goal with a combined assist by Collett and Gavin Vining.
After two questionable calls lead to disqualifications of two SAMHA players, Houlton played the remainder of the game with no subs. Houlton played tough defense led by Vining and Aidan Johnson with a strong effort by goalie Seth Bagwell. The Black Bears came back scoring two goals, but were not able to catch Varney Agency with the final score of 3-2.
In game two of Varney Agency Bantams versus Black Bears Navy, SAMHA was required to play with just five skaters and a goalie due to disqualifications in the first game. Varney Agency got on the board first with a score by Collett, but Navy finished the first period with two goals in the final four minutes.
Collett tied the score in the second, but Navy was able to get a goal late in the third to seal the win 3-2. Navy showed tremendous sportsmanship offering to play four on four for the final period giving SAMHA an opportunity to rest one player. SAMHA players showed grit with first year Bantams players Jay Tuck and Caydon Campbell playing tough through both games.
Saturday at Perth Andover, New Brunswick, the Junior Blackhawk Atoms lost 12-0 to Southern Victoria Atoms.
SAMHA participated with USA Hockey’s nationwide “Try Hockey for Free” day on Saturday Nov. 12 at the John A. Millar Civic Center. Coaches and varsity Blackhawks players were on hand to assist with the young hockey players on the ice.
The kids had loads of fun, took home goodie bags, a certificate of participation and of course they’re free USA Hockey jersey. There were about 20 kids who took part in this event.
