2007-2008 SEASON PREVIEW

The 2007-2008 edition of the Wolverine hockey program appears to be one of the best yet.  As Bridgton Academy embarks on a historic season by changing the face of PG hockey, the Wolverines look to make a statement this year.  With a strong foundation in the net and on defense, this looks to be one of the toughest Bridgton Academy hockey teams in recent years.  Add to the mix a perfect combination of size and speed at the forward position, and the Wolverines have all of the pieces to be successful.

Starting with the backbone of the team, the Wolverines will have its deepest trio of goaltenders in years.  Koray Celik (Point Isle, Que/National Sports Academy) and Adam Kostis (Paradise Valley, AZ/PF Chang's U18 AAA) will vie for the starting job.  However, don't count out the big man John Snow (Greenbush, MA/Archbishop Williams), as he has the ability to put himself in contention for considerable playing time.

Defense will be the team's biggest strength, and look for Justin Pye (Medford, MA/Medford HS) to lead the way.  He earned All ?Conference honors in the Greater Boston League.  He will receive top end support from the likes of Chris LaCount (So. Easton, MA/Archbishop Williams) and Dan Powers who add size, skill, and physical play.  Alex Barr (W. Milford, NJ/NJ Wildcats) and Matt Aruda (Hingham, MA) will be cornerstones of the D, and Matt Buotte (Westbrook, ME/Westbrook HS), Josh Hager (Dover, NH/Dover HS) and Phil Lundberg (Winthrop, MA/Winthrop HS) will be needed on a regular basis to round out the defensive core.

Up front, the Wolverines continue to boast some top-notch talent.  Big Pat Ferguson (Lynn, MA/St. Mary's HS) was one of the top players in the tough Catholic Central Conference.  Travis L'Heureux (Berlin, NH/Berlin HS) was a top scorer in NH for two seasons and a three-sport All-State athlete.  Matt Cyr (Cheshire, CT/NE Jr. Falcons) spent the past season playing in the Eastern Junior Hockey League.  Sean Travis (Scituate, MA/Scituate HS) is playing his senior year at Bridgton after guiding his team to a State Championship as a junior and leaving HS with over 150 pts.  Will Hoppe (E. Stroudsburg, PA/Bethlehem Blast) is a high scoring forward who could surprise many.  Cameron Scola (Gloucester, MA/ Gloucester HS) was a part of a state championship team his junior year and led his team deep into the playoffs as a senior.  Nate Jewell (Standish, ME/Bonny Eagle HS) finished last season with 106 points in 30 games and was the leading scorer in the Maine.  Mike Saya (Manillus, NY/Syracuse Stars) could open some eyes with his skill level.  He missed most of last year due to injury.  Paul Warren (Morgan Hill, CA/Dallas Hawks) brings experience to the team, as he is a veteran of junior hockey.  Tyler Mather (Dedham, MA/Dedham HS) was a Bay State League all- conference player for two years.  Mike Curran (Arlington, MA/Arlington HS), who was a conference All-Star in the Greater Boston League, and Mike Carroll (Arlington, MA/Arlington HS) add depth to the mix.  Rounding out the group of forwards are Ben Nadworny (Melrose, MA/Melrose HS), John Walsh (Walpole, MA/ Walpole Express) and Eric D'Elia who are high-energy players.

This year's schedule is top notch and has multiple opportunities to attract attention to the Wolverine players.  The season is highlighted by tournament play, as the Wolverines will enter three tournaments held by teams from the Eastern Junior Hockey League.  Adding to the competition will be a Thanksgiving Showcase held by the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, and the heralded Northwood Tournament held in Lake Placid, home of the "Miracle on Ice."

Now in his ninth year as Head Coach of the Wolverines, Jamie Printz likes his chances this year.  "To be successful, we will have to dedicate our efforts into getting every player on the same page as soon as possible.  If this team can finds ways to create offense, they should not have many problems.  All of the pieces are in place and the team looks like a champion on paper." 

As we all know, games are meant to be played.  The Wolverines open their season with two home contests against the Boston Bulldogs on October 19 and National Sports Academy on October 21.