Page 14 - The Hockey Academy News February 2018

Wild Look Ahead to NA3HL Playo s
In our last issue of The Hockey Academy News we were prepping for the annual North American
3 Hockey League Showcase in Blaine, MN. The Wild opened up the showcase vs. the Breezy Point North Stars who would control the majority of the game. The Wild ended up falling 8-1 to Breezy Point who currently has a 15-27-2 record in the West Division. Day 2 had the Wild playing the Lansing Wolves which was a back and forth action packed game. The score was 1-1 end of the rst, 2-2 end of the second then Lansing would score early in the third and an empty netter to win 4-2. Game 3 and nal match up of the Showcase, the Wild took on the Skyland Kings who currently sits in 3rd place in the Northeast division at 15-24-3. The Wild and Skyland were tied at 1 apiece at the end of the rst. The second period was an offensive battle by both teams resulting in a 5-4 lead for the Wild going into the 2nd. The Wild and Lansing would trade off goals in the third resulting in a 7-6 win for Maine!
The Maine Wild had an excellent experience at the league showcase. The competition was very
good and the exposure to so many schools in one place for our players was really great.” - Head Coach Jeff Tory
The next event on the schedule is the North American 3 Hockey League Top Prospects tournament which takes place February 27th and 28th at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth Michigan. From the Wild, Mason Ledbetter and Jeffrey Gratz have been nominated to the Central / Coastal (Blue) Team. Nick Panfen has also been chosen for the 18U Selects White team. This tournament is also run in conjunction with the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.
Since the showcase, the wild have posted a 5-9 record and locked in a playoff spot. Mason Ledbetter continues his scoring touch leading the Wild with 32 goals and 25 assists for 57 points. Jeffrey Gratz is just 1 back with 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points. Dropping back just a few, the Wild have 3 players in the 40’s with points being Tyler Webb, Brady Bannon, and Dany Shestakov.
The Maine Wild have also made a few college commitment’s since the showcase.
Assistant captain Jacob Haynes has committed to Framingham State University for the 2018/19 season! “I am very blessed to be able to continue my education and hockey career at Framingham State,” stated Haynes. “I wouldn’t be in this position if it were not for my amazing family, coaches, and teammates. Coach Tory and Coach Léveillé are running a great program here in Maine and have been a huge factor in my development. I am looking forward to the Wild having a successful playoff run.”
Also from the Wild, Forward Jayce Dorman has committed to Becker College for the 2018/19 Season! “I am very thankful I can continue my academic and hockey career at Becker College. When I went to visit I knew that is where I wanted to be. Coach Tory and Coach Leveille were a huge part in my development as a player. They always made sure I played the best to my ability.” – Jayce Dorman
The Wild’s 3rd commit is forward Jeffrey Gratz who will be attending Framingham State University with teammate Jacob Haynes next fall!
The Wild have just 4 games remaining in the regular season before playoffs. Playoff projections look like they will faceoff vs. either the New England Stars or L/A Nordiques in the rst round of the playoffs.
“The team has been working hard all season long with the goal of making the playoffs. It was very rewarding for all of them when we recently clinched our spot for the playoffs. We look forward to nishing the season strong in preparation for our rst round match up” added Tory.
For more information on the Maine Wild Junior Program, visit www.wildjuniorhockey.com. For League information, stats, and standings, visit ww.na3hl.com
14 FEBRUARY 2018 | THEHOCKEYACADEMY.COM