Kimball Union Falls to a Determined Cushing Team

Looking for the first victory of the season in their home opener against Cushing Academy, the Wildcats could not find their rhythm as they failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities during the first three periods. Tri – Captain Jeff Galvin (Meriden, NH) scored at the 4:34 mark of the first period to give the Wildcats an early lead, only to be relinquished several minutes later as several miscues by KUA resulted in a Cushing goal late in the first period. Despite numerous chances, the Wildcats could not cash in while the Penguins seemed to find their groove and scored three more goals to lead 4-1 at the half. Midfielder Evan Roberts (West Cornwall, VT) found the back of the Cushing net near the halfway point of the third period, only to be answered by Cushing several minutes later. In a similar sequence of goal scoring, Jeff Galvin drove a hard shot by the Cushing goalie with about two minutes left, only to be answered by another Penguin goal in the waning seconds, leaving the Wildcats trailing by three at the end of three. In the fourth Kimball Union seemed to finally awaken as the Wildcats turned up the pressure on the defensive end. The close defensive unit of Judson Pickard (Cincinnati, OH), Trevor McGraw (Meriden, NH) and Ben Severance (Rumford, NJ) poured on the pressure creating turnovers and clearing the ball into the offensive end. Long stick middies Josh Boissoneau (Bedford, NH) and Andrew Richardson (Lancaster, MA) along with short stick middie Matt Parker (Shelburne, VT) were also solid defensively. Freshman Justin Wright (Waccabuc, NY) and senior Rob Stella (Dover, MA) also made significant contributions at both ends of the field. Responding in turn, the offense scored four unanswered goals as Roberts and Galvin each found the twine twice, giving the Orange and Black their first lead of the day with one and a half minutes left. Sean Lavin (North Easton, MA) and Roberts also had one assist each in the scoring. Just when a hard fought comeback victory seemed about to be realized, a most unfortunate turnover put the ball back in the hands of Cushing who moved down the field and scored the tying goal with 35 seconds left in the game. Struggling in the face-off circle throughout the day, Cushing got the one they needed most to start the overtime period. Wasting no time, the Penguins moved the ball quickly and placed a hard, low, shot on the backside of the Wildcat goal, securing the overtime win for Penguins. Goalie Brian Holland (Barrington, RI), had seven saves on the day. Tri – captain Donner Carr (East Greenwich, RI), Roberts and Parker were dominant in the face off circle throughout the day.

Despite the painful loss, the Wildcats showed determination and an unwillingness to give up. They also achieved team goals of improving their successful clearing percentage and keeping team penalties under five.

The Wildcats are back on the road on Wednesday as they travel to New Hampton, NH where they will be hosted by the New Hampton School Huskies. The opening face off is scheduled for 2:30.