Three schools separated by 3.93 miles are making a simultaneous splash in Maine’s high school hockey ranks.
The Brewer Witches and their archrivals, the Bangor Rams, are 9-1-1 and 8-2, respectively, and John Bapst High School of Bangor is 9-1.
Brewer won the state Class B championship in 2007 and is a legitimate contender for its first state A title.
John Bapst is atop the Class B standings and is gunning for its first Eastern Maine and state titles.
Bangor has had a heavy graduation rate the last few years but has strung together a seven-game winning streak.
Each team has an exceptional junior goalie.
Brewer’s Eric White and John Bapst’s Derek Duff are seasoned veterans with playoff experience. Bangor’s Zach Hamilton saw some playing time a year ago but was primarily a backup.
All three are quick and fundamentally sound. They square up to the shooters and they usually leave themselves in good position to handle any second or third shots.
They are not prone to soft goals and they enable their teams to play with a swagger and a confidence.
The players know they have a chance to win every game.
You also need a few difference-makers. These are point producers who can swing the momentum of a game.
All three teams have difference-makers.
Brewer has senior left wing Dylan Fitzpatrick, who has scored more than 100 career goals, and linemate Ryan Nadeau. Fitzpatrick has a great shot and a nose for the net, and Nadeau is a crafty playmaker and prolific scorer. Each has 15 goals.
Bangor has senior center Johnny Warren, one of the state’s fastest skaters and a threat every shift. He has 10 goals.
John Bapst has a 10-member senior class that has matured into an imposing group. Centers Casey Hull and Andrew Casey and right wing Nikki Mitchell headline a talented group of forwards that put constant pressure on opposing defensemen.
In addition, all three teams have a healthy list of secondary scorers.
Tyler White, Nick Risser, Steve Farley and Evan Nadeau can rack up points for the Witches; Bangor has received noteworthy points from Joey Seccareccia, Orono transfer Darren Casey-Covell (9 goals), Devin Lyshon, Nate Lewis and David Pardilla, and John Bapst’s Travis Poulin, Ethan Sale and Mike Lalime are always a threat to score.
Secondary scoring is vital because teams will try to shut down a top scoring line with a checking line.
They also have a reliable defense corps with experience.
Seniors Matt Helfen and Andy Bush, junior Chris Lopez and converted forward Dave McNally have been steady on the blue line for Brewer. They make good, safe breakout passes and have good defensive zone awareness.
Senior Chad Kelley and junior Nick George have a ton of experience for Bangor and are very capable. Both can also create offense. Adam King and Cam Taylor have played well.
Seniors Tyler Fadrigon and Chase Huckestein are two of the top defensemen in Class B, and Matt Duplisea and Joey Thompson are resourceful.
All three teams have also been fortified by some key underclassmen such as Bangor freshman Nic Cota (13 points).
Brewer’s quest to win an Eastern Maine A title will be contested by formidable foes Waterville and Lewiston. Bangor is a darkhorse.
Gardiner is the chief threat to John Bapst in B with Winslow, Houlton-Hodgdon and Presque Isle also in the picture.