Yarmouth, Maine-The Vermont Academy Wildcats travelled to Travis Roy Arena for a 3:30 puck drop against the North Yarmouth Academy Panthers on a sunny Maine afternoon. The first period both teams did some feeling out and both had chances. NYA’s 2023 goalie Euan Martin kept Vermont Academy off the board with a few tough stops. Vermont Academy’s 2022 Aiden Healey looked sharp as he was tested several times and helped his team kill off two Panther power plays. He stopped eight grader, 2007 Hugo Daniel point blank with about 10 minutes left to keep the score level. The period ended with no scoring and a territorial advantage to NYA.
North Yarmouth Academy struck just 30 seconds into the second. The Panthers’ leading scorer, 2022 Nathanel Peretz made a cross crease pass to classmate Michael Belleau. It was 1-0 NYA and that score held as the period ended 1-0. No penalties called in the second but plenty of chances at both ends.
The Panthers struck early again in the third when Peretz made a terrific individual effort and popped a Wildcat defenseman, jarred the puck loose, got it to the net and found the puck again for the score to make it 2-0. The goal came just 43 seconds into the period. Vermont Academy fought back and got within a goal just a couple minutes later. 2022 Quebec native Liam Lucas scored on a slick passing play with 2023 Jack Pattison for a pretty goal. It was 2-1. NYA responded with a power play tally to make it 3-1 as Daxton St. Hallaire went to the net front and buried a slick pass from Belleau. The game looked to be over as The Wildcats looked disparaged. North Yarmouth controlled play and Peretz added another with 4:20 left to make it 4-1. Belleau and St. Hilaire picked up assists.
The loss drops Vermont Academy to 2-15-1. They play Winchendon at home on Friday. North Yarmouth Academy moves to 9-12-1 as they broke a four game losing streak. The Panthers play Berwick at home on Friday.
Three Stars
First: Nathanel Peretz (NYA)
Second: Michael Belleau (NYA)
Third: Daxton St. Hilaire (NYA)
Photo Credit: North Yarmouth Academy
