Finishing Touches :
THORNTON ACADEMY ICE HOCKEY CAPS A HISTORIC SEASON
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An old adage states , “ It is not how you start that matters , it is how you finish .” The story of the 2022-2023 Thornton Academy Ice Hockey team encapsulates that point . After winning nine of its first ten games during the regular season , the Golden Trojans had clearly established itself as a contender for its third Class A state championship in school history . However , three consecutive losses to rivals Falmouth and South Portland / Falmouth / Waynflete and defending Class B state champion Brunswick during the month of January placed that goal in jeopardy .
Coach Jamie Gagnon ’ s squad finished its season strong by winning its final eight games to capture its first Class A crown since 2012 . The key to the program ’ s late season surge was a strong defense . Keyed by the talented goaltending tandem of Porter Krause and Drew Johnson and the defensive play of Travis Roy Award finalist Lucas Hubbard , Thornton Academy yielded only nine goals during that stretch .
Following a 3-1 quarterfinal round playoff victory over Marshwood / Traip Academy / Sanford / Noble , the Golden Trojans earned the right to play in the state semifinal round at the Cross Insurance Arena for the second consecutive season . Senior Evan Beaudette ’ s goal late in the second period proved to be the difference in a 3-2 Thornton Academy victory . The Golden Trojans survived a furious last minute of play when the Rams pulled their goalie and dominated the puck , but nevertheless held Bangor without a shot .