Boys’ Hockey Brings Home NEPSAC Championship, Awards

The team won the Lakes Region League Regular-Season Championship, the Lakes Region League Tournament Championship, and ultimately the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Small School Championship on March 9 with a win over Berkshire School at the University of Connecticut.

The Wildcats claimed their 16th-consecutive regular-season title by virtue of their 22-8-2 record and then went on a five-game postseason win steak to earn their 14th Lakes Region League Championship, and eighth NEPSAC championship since 2010.

“The boys fought through a lot of injury and illness this year, and always stuck together and worked hard,” Head coach Tim Whitehead said. “They matured as a team, and we learned many life lessons along the way. Our players’ resilience through tough times was really inspiring. We laughed a lot and had fun every day we came to the rink, and together we created a special season culminating in three championships.”

KUA was recognized by the New England Hockey Journal following its run in the NEPSAC Small School Tournament, with four student-athletes being named to the publication’s All-Small School Team — including its tournament MVP.

Olsen led the Wildcats with 12 points in three NEPSAC tournament games, scoring four goals and assisting on eight others. He also netted his team’s final goal in its 5-3 victory over Berkshire in the championship to clinch the victory for KUA.

 

Simmers tallied five goals for KUA in its run to the NEPSAC title, including two in each of the first-two rounds and the eventual game-winner in the title tilt against Berkshire. He was also a selfless linemate, finishing the tournament with four assists.

Evans was a big reason KUA was able to outscore opponents 24-4 during its three-game NEPSAC tournament run, providing shut-down defense and reliable puck movement for coach Whitehead’s squad.