BIDDEFORD — One day removed from Tuesday’s quarterfinal playoff win over a stubborn underdog ”“ Gorham ”“ Thornton Academy spent Wednesday looking straight ahead.
Even if it wasn’t entirely sure who it would find waiting for them.
Still, Maine Class A hockey’s reigning champions had no problem focusing on the task of staying sharp for their date in the Western Maine semifinal, to be played Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Colisee in Lewiston.
“Our practices have been very good,” said Thornton coach Jamie Gagnon, who put his charges through a brisk, 60-minute session at Biddeford Ice Arena. “It’s a matter of translating that into game play. And trying to stay at game speed. We’re just trying to duplicate and replicate game speed every day so that we can play at that pace every day.”
It wasn’t until later that the Golden Trojans learned that their next foe would be No. 5 Marshwood/Traip, which outlasted No. 4 Cheverus, 5-3, in a quarterfinal tilt played Wednesday night.
No doubt, the Hawks will attempt to borrow a page from the Gorham playbook, one that worked well for the Rams.
At least it did for the better part of two periods before Thornton blitzed the Rams for seven unanswered goals, six of them in the final period.
Even as the prospect of a premature playoff exit may have produced some nervousness throughout the Trojan cheering section, the feeling on the bench, and on the ice, was one of calm confidence.
“We just tried to keep rolling,” said defenseman Brandon Veilleux, one of Thornton’s 14 seniors. “Maybe our fans were getting a little down. But we knew the whole time that we could score six or seven goals in a game, just like we proved all season long.”
Veilleux said that sentiment also played a part in the way Thornton flattened the Rams in the third period.
After all, he and the rest of the senior class were playing their last meaningful game at BIA, where many of them learned to play hockey as little boys.
“It was definitely emotional,” said Veilleux. “Everybody wanted to put on a good show. Everybody wanted to make sure that this was the best way to finish out our time here on this ice. You can definitely predict that we’re going to keep that passion going (forward).”
While his last home game as a Trojan was something to savor, Veilleux said that it was his first twirl with the Thornton varsity, while he was a sophomore, that is most memorable.
“I just remember the crowd,” he said. “And the atmosphere it brought. It’s one of my favorite places ever to play hockey. I wouldn’t have wanted another home ice arena. I love the fan support we get here.”
No doubt, that rabid rooting section will do all it can to make sure the Trojans feel at home.
Even at the Colisee.
— Contact Dan Hickling at 282-1535 or follow on Twitter @DanHickling.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
