Laconia, February 21, 2016-   The New England Wolves EHL Elite JR hockey team recorded a convincing 5-3 victory over the Valley Warriors of Haverhill, MA on Sunday afternoon. The win completed the Wolves 42 game regular season.  As a byproduct of their team efforts, this club is the first Laconia Junior Hockey team since the 2004 season to achieve back to back playoff berths.

“We have really climbed the standings in the second half of our season.  It shows a tremendous amount of character in these young men.”  Said Head Coach Andrew Trimble.

The Wolves carried a 4-0 lead deep into the third period based on goals from Zander Allen (Rochester, NH), Matt Maple (Fullerton, CA) and two by Dillon Smith (Madison, NH).  Zach Dezotelle (Swanton, VT) would notch a 5th goal, before Valley would respond.  3 quick goals by Valley, created a frantic final 2 minutes.  “Our team defense really had to rise to the occasion.” Said Trimble.  Goaltender Ben Bragg made several of his 36 saves in those final two minutes, and Andrew D’Amour, Ryan Padden, Mikhail Astakhov, Tim Atkins and Shawn Sullivan assisted him in preserving the victory.

The Wolves would like to thank Angela Pickowicz of Pick- Fit, Assistant Coach Mike Potenza, and Life Coach Emily Clement for their efforts in preparation this week.

Wolves Playoffs begin February 26-28 in Tewksbury, MA.  For more information go to- www.americanhockeyinstitute.com .