Wildcats competed against the top Junior A Hockey Programs in the USPHL

The Wildcats Junior A team competed in the USPHL Summer Showcase, in the Junior A Premier Division, July 17-20th in Marlboro, MA. Junior A went 1-2-0 with 2 - 1 goal losses and a big win in the finale of the showcase.

On Friday night, the Wildcats would face what they thought would be their toughest competition of the showcase. A big tilt against the Rochester Jr. Americans Junior A Premier team was nothing less than exciting and a hard fought battle. Down 4-2 with 4 minutes left, the 'Cats found themselves on a 5-on-3 power play. Mitch Purdie (Coburg Cougars, OJHL) would make it a one-goal game with a pass across the slot from Ryan Chauvin (New England Wolves, EHL). Unfortunately, that's all the 'Cats could get in the remaining minutes and fell to the 2013 USPHL Elite Division Champions, in Game 1. Mike Heffernan (AHI Fighting Spirit, NSHL) and Frank Moreschi (Daniel Webster College, NCAA Division 3) would also score for the 'Cats while Jake Juron (CP Dynamo, U18 AAA) and Anthony Langevin (Franklin Pierce University, NCAA Division 2), and Cody Weaver (East Coast Wizards, EHL) each recorded assists.

Game 2 featured another one-goal exciting game against the 2013 USPHL Premier Division Champion, NJ Hitmen Junior A Premier team. A fast Hitmen team gave the 'Cats all they could handle, but Dustin Paquette (St. Michael's College, NCAA Division 2) gave the 'Cats a 1-0 lead. Getting outshot almost 3-1 didn't seem to bother the 'Cats. The Hitmen would pop a goal in off a deflection to end the period at a 1-1 score. With 6 minutes remaining in the game, after goaltender Mike Cosentino (Philadelphia Revolution, U19 AAA) got knocked down in front of the net, the Hitmen would score an empty netter on a controversial goal call. That's all the Hitmen would need as they defeated a relentless 'Cats team in another nail bitter, 2-1. Cosentino made 45 saves in the tough loss.

Game 3 featured a great offensive performance by the Junior A Wildcats. Jake Juron would net 2 big goals, including the winning goal. Jon Venter (Canterbury School, NE Prep) would score from the point and Ryan Chauvin would also score for the winners. Anthony Langevin recorded 3 assists while Cody Weaver, Frank Moreschi, Mitch Purdie, and Tye Terrance (Akwesasne Wolves, EOJHL) each recorded single asssists in the Junior A 4-2 victory over the Syracuse Stars Junior A Premier team.

Congratulations to the Junior A team and Coach Henri on a great weekend of hockey! Many Wildcats were able to talk with numerous Junior and College hockey coaches and many coaches were impressed with our Junior A team level of talent! Another great showcase that is sure to put the Wildcats on the Junior Hockey map as they compete and defeat many prestigious elite Junior Hockey programs!