The Varsity Hockey team hit the ice for their home opener to the 2011 season against Proctor Wednesday. An early Vermont Academy penalty allowed Proctor to get on the board first scoring a power play goal. The Wildcats were quick to answer on a power play of their own when junior Mathieu Loiselle battled in front of the net to put in the equalizer. Almost two minutes later, sophomore Isaiah Douthwright drove the net and created a rebound that allowed Will Datilio to put in the go ahead goal. The scoring spree continued when senior and captain Andrew Fink was able to get around the Proctor defense and beat the goalie making the score 3-1. Proctor was able to take advantage of another Vermont Academy penalty and managed to get out of the first period 4-3.

Vermont Academy came out skating hard during the second period and dominated most of the play. Halfway through the period, sophomore Patrick Bartolomucci took the puck from out of his own defensive end and was able to skate it the length of the ice beating both defensemen with his speed and put in the tying goal. Proctor was able to answer back scoring the next three goals of the game. Vermont did not give up and played hard, determined to get back into the game. The Wildcats were able to put in two more both scored by freshman Cameron Wright, who had a great VA debut.

In the end, VA just ran out of time and lost a hard fought game 6-8. It was a rollercoaster of game with its fair share of ups and downs. The team played hard and showed a lot of heart scoring two goals in the third period. The team has two days of practice to get ready for the next game against K.U.A. this Saturday.

Vermont Drops Tough Overtime Loss

The Wildcats put forth a valiant effort on Wednesday against a very physical Hoosac team, but fell short, losing 4-3 in overtime. Kevin Brennan continued to play well by scoring the first goal of the game, a powerplay tally with assists from Joe Arcieri and Adam Hennick. After Hoosac tied the game, Freshman Pat Bartolomucci buried a one-timer on a nice pass from Turner McAfee. Brother Chris Bartolomucci, who also had a great game on the penalty kill, also assisted on the goal. After giving up two powerplay goals, the Wildcats went into the last minute of the game down 3-2. Pat Bartolomucci rose to the occasion again and scored the game-tying goal with only ten seconds remaining in the game. Vermont went into overtime on a powerplay, but was unable to convert. After the Wildcats took a penalty, Hoosac converted on the powerplay for the win. Junior Brendon Leeming backstopped the effort with 39 saves.

Vermont hits the ice again on Friday for Winter Carnival against their northern rivals Stanstead.

Wildcats Take Home Winter Classic Victory

On Saturday Vermont Academy was given the opportunity to be a part of the "Whale Bowl 2011," a festival of outdoor hockey games played at the University of Connecticut football field. The Wildcats faced off againt Kingswood Oxford, a team that they lost to 3-1 in an early season matchup. This time Vermont Academy came out with the win though, earning an impressive 3-1 victory. Fred Farmer led the way offensively, scoring all three goals for his second hatrick of the year. Jesse Turrin factored in on all of the goals, earning three assists. Brendon Leeming played very well in net, stopping 31 shots. The boys look forward to carrying their momentum through the last two weeks of the season. In a big three game weekend they play at Hoosac Wednesday, home vs. Stanstead on Friday night, and then end the week in a big league matchup against rival Brewster.

Scenes from the game

Wildcats Split Weekend

 The Vermont Academy Boys' Hockey Team split their games last weekend, earning a 4-1 loss to New Hampton and defeating Portsmouth Abbey 6-2.

On the Friday night the boys were unable to hold off one of the top teams in the league, New Hampton. Given the level of competition though, the Wildcats put forth a remarkable showing. Jesse Turrin scored the lone goal while Sam Brown played well in net.

There was no rest for the boys as they turned around the following day for a trip down to Rhode Island to take on Portsmouth Abbey. Although missing many players to injury, the Wildcats put forth one of their strongest performances of the year, earning a 6-2 victory. Austin Wharry and Charlie Russell led the scoring with two goals apiece, while Freshman Pat Bartolomucci also chipped in a goal and an assist.

After Wednesday's game in Stanstead was cancelled, the Wildcats take the ice again on Thursday against league rival KUA. They then travel to Proctor on Friday for another league game before returning home for Saturday's "Pink in the Rink" game vs. Berwick Academy.

VA Has Big 3 Point Weekend

The Vermont Academy Boys came back strong from a couple losses by showing grit and determination in earning a win and a tie over the weekend. Friday night saw the Wildcats skate to a strong 5-2 win over rival Pingree. The line of Fred Farmer, Turner McAfee, and Jesse Turrin led the scoring. Farmer had two goals, McAfee had two goals and an assist, and Turrin had three assists. Freshman defenseman Connor McNary rounded out the scoring while earning his first career goal for Vermont Academy. Senior Mike Lespasio played very well in net, making 28 saves.

Saturday saw the Wildcats come back for a hard-fought game against North Yarmouth Academy. Jesse Turrin scored the lone goal, a powerplay tally in the first. The rest of the game was a gritty battle. The Wildcats got into some penalty trouble, but the penalty killing units we exceptional, killing off all five penalties, including one five minute powerplay for NYA. The game went into overtime, but neither team was able to score. The final score was 1-1. Mike Lespasio had a great game in net, stopping numerous scoring chances.

The VA Boys take the ice again at home on Wednesday vs. Williston Northampton.

Vermont Wins 2 in Barber Tournament  

The Vermont Academy Boys had two big wins to pick up a 3rd place finish out of 8 team in the prestigious Barber Tournament at St. Mark's. After dropping their opener to a very strong Portledge team, VA responded with a resounding 10-1 win over the Kiski School. Jesse Turrin led the scoring with 3 goals and an assist while Chris Bartolomucci contributed 2 goals and an assist. Sam Brown backstopped the effort with 20 saves.

The boys continued their impressive performance with a strong 5-1 win over Worcester Academy in the consolation game of the tournament. Assistant Captain Fred Farmer led the scoring with 3 goals and an assist while Jesse Turrin also contributed a goal and 2 assists. Sam Brown turned in another strong performance to get the win.

The Wildcats return to the ice in the strong BB&N Showcase on December 30th against the hosts BB&N.

Game Summary: Vermont Academy 10, Kiski School 1

First Period-
   VA- Turrin, Assists: Hennick, Farmer
   VA- Turrin, Assists: Tabor
   VA- Farmer, unassisted
   VA- C. Bartomucci, Assists: Farmer, Hennick

Second Period-
   VA- Turrin, Assists: Hennick, Poulton
   VA- Planche, Assists: Brennan
   VA- Brennan, Assists: Fink, C. Bartolomucci

Third Period-
   VA- P. Bartolomucci, Assists: McAfee, Russell
   VA- Wilcox, Assists: McNary
   VA- C. Bartolomucci, Assists: Brennan
Kiski- Devault

 Goaltenders: VA- Brown- 20/21- 1 GA

First Period-
   WA- Barton
   VA- Farmer, Assists: Turrin
   VA- Farmer, Assists: Planche, Turrin
   VA- Hennick, Assists: Farmer

Second Period- none

Third Period-
   VA- Farmer, Assists: McNary, Hennick
   VA- Turrin, unassisted

Goaltending: VA- Brown- 22/23- 1 GA

Wildcats Salvage Tie in Weekend Finale