Clash of the Wildcats: Williston vs. Kimball Union Mini Preview

by Team Beat Writer & Reporter-Nate Gordon ’16

On Wednesday December 4rd at 3:30 p.m., the Wildcats will host their first home game against Kimball Union Academy.

Both teams come into the game having won their first games. The Wildcats of Kimball Union defeated Standstead College of the Midwest Prep Hockey League 2-1 on Saturday, November 23rd. The team is led by former UMaine head coach, Tim Whitehead.

Kimball Union came into the season ranked fourth by the Hockey Night in Boston News 2013/2014 Prep School Preview Edition coming off a 27-3-0 record last season. Williston, though, will see a new team this year as Kimball Union had 16 seniors graduate last year.

However, the team Williston will face is certainly not short on talent. Kimball Union already has two players committed to D1 college hockey schools. Senior forward J.D. Dudek committed to Boston College and junior forward A.J. Greer already committed to Penn State.

The Wildcats are coming off a strong first game win against Canterbury. As Williston’s Head Coach Derek Cunha said, the team will look to establish its fore-check early against Kimball Union. Williston will also be working to shut down Kimball Union in transition, one of the team’s biggest strengths.

Coach Cunha also told his team that “the winner of tomorrow’s game will be the one with the least mistakes.” In a private interview, he said that because it is early in the season, mistakes will be made. Williston can’t make many costly errors and must capitalizes on Kimball Union’s faults.

Tomorrow’s matchup will begin a grueling four-game home stand, with all four opponents ranked in the top ten of the aforementioned poll.

I will be tweeting (@Williston Hockey) during the game (I got the Twitter situation figured out from last game!) and a full game report with reactions from players and coaches will be available after the game.

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