ROCKPORT — The junior varsity ice hockey season opened for Camden Hills on Friday, Dec. 14 in a showdown of Midcoast schools as the Windjammers challenged the Midcoast Ice Cats at the Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport. 

The Midcoast Ice Cats, who collected a 5-2 victory Friday, is comprised of students from local high schools that do not sponsor ice hockey programs. 

With the season opening loss, the Windjammers fall to 0-1 on the season with its next game coming on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the MRC against Yarmouth with a 7:30 p.m. start. 

On Friday, the Windjammers opened the scoring when Caroline Contento found the back of the net courtesy a Charlie Griebel assist. 

The Ice Cats scored back-to-back to finish up the first period when Connor Betts (Vincent Bonarrigo and Bryce Carlson assist) and Caleb Powell (Bonarrigo assist) tallied goals to put Midcoast up 2-1. 

Both teams scored once in the second period when Powell found the net again for the Ice Cats off a Maguire and LeBlanc assist, while Griebel scored for the Windjammers off a Hayden Thibeault assist. 

The Ice Cats added a pair of goals in the third period courtesy Powell (LeBlanc assist) and Jakob Johnson (unassisted on an empty goal). 

Midcoast had 15 shots on goal compared to 19 for the Windjammers. 

Cole Freeman collected 10 saves in the goalie net for Camden Hills, while Andrew Donald posted 17 for the Ice Cats. 

“It was a competitive and hard fought game to start the season and I thought our young JV players played good team hockey and battled until the final whistle,” said Camden Hills junior varsity head coach Harrison Rogers. “Caroline Contento, Elias Libby, and Rory Carlson were a force in the offensive zone and created chances for us all game. Nicholas Tausek and Eliza Roy provided leadership for the Windjammers on the ice and led the defense and offense.”

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.