The Hampden Academy cooperative hockey team achieved a significant milestone by winning its first Class B North championship since 2003. On February 14, 2024, the team triumphed over Messalonskee High of Oakland with a thrilling 2-1 victory in triple overtime at Alfond Arena. This win not only marks a notable achievement for the team but also showcases the impressive contributions of its younger players.
The Broncos’ top line features a dynamic trio comprising two freshmen, Henry Armell and Aiden MacFarline, along with sophomore Wyatt Allen. This line proved crucial in the championship game, as Armell deftly redirected a floating puck to Allen, who scored the decisive goal. All three players have emerged as the leading scorers for the team, each surpassing 11 goals and 20 points this season. Armell stands out with over 30 points, highlighting his role as the team’s offensive leader.
Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Zach Wilson, the team has embraced a youthful strategy, fielding 11 freshmen and seven sophomores among its 26 players. Coach Wilson noted the unique energy and fearlessness that the young players bring to the ice. “Our freshmen are special. They have great ice vision and are also fantastic teammates,” he stated. After the regional final, senior co-captain Aiden Surran echoed this sentiment, crediting the freshmen for bringing “so much energy and life” to the team.
The Broncos’ roster includes players from various schools, with Henry Boudreau and Chasen Grant among the notable freshmen contributing to the team’s defense. Surran, who serves as the goaltender, made 32 saves during the title game, ensuring that the Broncos’ defensive strategy was effective against their opponents.
The team’s success this season can be attributed to its ability to maintain strong defensive play, allowing two goals or fewer in 13 games. Coach Wilson emphasized that the team’s recent evolution in defensive structure has allowed them to be more aggressive on the ice. “We knew we had a great goalie in Aiden and solid defensemen. This has enabled us to change our defensive zone structure,” he explained.
The championship victory is particularly sweet for Surran, who experienced disappointment in previous years. “My sophomore year, we lost to Camden Hills and I have been devastated ever since. I promised myself that when we got back to this game, we would make it count,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will face the 17-4 York team in the state championship game on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. With a current record of 14-6-1, the team enters this match with momentum, having won eight of their last nine games.
As the Hampden Academy players prepare for this pivotal matchup, the combination of youthful talent and experienced leadership positions them as serious contenders for the state title. The journey to this moment underscores the power of teamwork and determination in achieving long-awaited success.
