Ice ’Cats could be contenders
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
PRESQUE ISLE — Coach Carl Flynn has begun his ninth season with the Wildcat hockey team, and enters with high expectations for his squad.
Contributed photo/Maineline Studio
WILDCAT HOCKEY TEAM — Members of the Presque Isle varsity hockey team are, in front from left, manager Shea Brown, Jillian Flynn, Cooper Madore, assistant coach Darren Carlisle, Michael Michaud, Alex Michaud, Andrew Michaud, coach Carl Flynn, Alex Brewer and Oliver Gerrish. Back row, Denny Young, Austin Bouchard, Daniel Boucher, Trevor Levesque, Tyler Seeley, Reece McDougall, Craig Schiff, Ryder Soucy and Joseph Patenaude.
“I think that we are a playoff worthy team and likely a top-four team,” he said, “capable of beating any of the team’s in our division.”
PI plays in the Class B ranks and is coming off a season in which they placed sixth and upset No. 3 Brewer on the road in the quarterfinals, 8-7, before losing to John Bapst in the semis.
The team lost 100-point scorer Adam Flynn, the coach’s son, and Scott Rhynold to graduation, while junior Colin McKay, who had 15 goals and 15 assists a year ago, transferred to create another void.
Still, Flynn likes his returning group and the infusion of new talent.
“We seem to have covered our personnel losses better than expected and we have had some players work very hard in the off-season,” said the coach. “We’re playing even better than expected.”
Presque Isle’s first line is a veteran trip, with senior Tyler Seeley (14 goals and 28 assists in 2012-13) centering juniors Alex Michaud (15 and 26) and Joseph Patenaude (3 and 6).
The second line and checking unit consists of sophomore Cooper Madore (5 and 6) at center and senior Ryder Soucy (2 and 2) and junior Daniel Boucher (6 and 3) on the wings.
Freshmen Craig Schiff, Alex Brewer and Austin Bouchard make up the Wildcats’ third line.
“They’ve had limited playing time thus far but show promise, especially on special teams,” Flynn said.
Defensively, seniors Andrew Michaud (5 and 12) and Michael Michaud give the team skill and experience.
Senior Trevor Levesque and sophomore Reece McDougall are other defenders who will see action. Freshman Denny Young suffered a preseason injury and his return is uncertain.
The sophomore duo of Jillian Flynn and Oliver Gerrish will handle the goaltending duties.
“Both are solid and the team plays well for each of them,” said coach Flynn.
Darren Carlisle returns for his fourth year as Flynn’s assistant. Shea Brown serves as the manager.
Flynn said Messalonskee, who has reached the state championship in each of the last two years, is the favorite in Class B, while Brewer and Waterville could also challenge.
