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Rec Sports

Sports Tourism Emerges as Economic Engine for Regional Growth

Published

5 days ago

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Key Takeaways

  • Youth and amateur sports generated $52.2 billion in travel-related spending nationally last year, outpacing spectator sports tourism’s $47.1 billion
  • Arkansas outdoor recreation contributed $7.3 billion to the state economy in 2023, supporting more than 68,000 jobs
  • Statewide tourism reached $17.4 billion in economic impact in 2024, with Northwest Arkansas playing a significant role
  • Fayetteville has attracted interest from the Women’s Football League, Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and Marshall Islands Soccer Federation
  • Purpose-built facilities like Centennial Park have enabled the city to host world-class cycling events including upcoming USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships

Youth and Amateur Sports Lead Travel Spending

Sports tourism has become one of the most consistent economic drivers in the country, and youth and amateur sports are leading the way. According to the Sports Events & Tourism Association, youth and amateur sports contributed $52.2 billion in travel-related spending last year. That figure surpasses spectator sports tourism, which generated $47.1 billion in direct spending and supported more than 665,000 jobs nationwide.

Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville, the city’s tourism marketing agency, outlined the opportunity in a recent guest commentary. He noted that while leisure and business travel have softened nationally, sports-related travel has continued to rise, providing stability that communities increasingly depend on.

Arkansas Sees Measurable Returns

The numbers in Arkansas reinforce the broader trend. Outdoor recreation alone contributed $7.3 billion to the statewide economy in 2023, supporting more than 68,000 jobs. Tourism overall reached $17.4 billion in economic impact in 2024, with Northwest Arkansas playing a major role in that growth.

For cities like Fayetteville, this translates into hotel stays, restaurant visits, retail traffic, and extended visibility for local assets. Hauck emphasized that when communities lean into their strengths, including outdoor recreation, hospitality, accessibility, and local culture, the returns are significant.

Facility Investment Attracts National Events

Fayetteville’s Centennial Park illustrates how purpose-built infrastructure can unlock sports tourism opportunities. The facility was designed to host world-class cycling events and has already welcomed the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships. It will host the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in December 2025, with a return engagement the following year.

“These events don’t just bring athletes. They bring national attention, media coverage, and significant economic impact for our hotels and hospitality businesses,” Hauck wrote.

Beyond cycling, the city has drawn interest from the Women’s Football League, Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and Marshall Islands Soccer Federation about hosting future events.

Hauck called for continued strategic investment in purpose-built sports facilities and deeper regional partnerships. The broader takeaway for youth sports operators and municipal leaders is clear: communities that invest intentionally in sports infrastructure and programming are positioning themselves to capture a growing share of travel-related spending. With youth and amateur sports now outpacing spectator sports in economic contribution, the opportunity extends well beyond professional leagues.

via: Talk Business
photo: Sports MNGT Degrees

YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.

About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

  • Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
  • Youth Sports events and tournament management
  • NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
  • Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
  • Sports technology and data analytics innovation
  • Youth sports facilities development and management
  • Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.

Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry 

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn

Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

  • Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
  • Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
  • Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.



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Rec Sports

More than 170M youth sports complex proposed for Big Bend

Published

15 minutes ago

on

January 3, 2026

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Listen to this article

THE BLUEPRINT:

  • A more than $175 million youth sports complex is proposed for Big Bend.
  • The Breck Athletic Complex will include baseball, soccer, lacrosse fields and a 155,000-square-foot indoor facility.
  • The developer requested rezoning 42 acres to facilitate construction.
  • A public hearing is set for Jan. 29.

A youth sports complex worth more than $170 million is in play for Big Bend.

The village of Big Bend Plan Commission considered a proposal to turn farmland into a multiphase, mixed-use recreation and hospitality development in Waukesha County. The Breck Athletic Complex will include six turf baseball fields, seven full-size soccer fields, futsal and lacrosse fields, and an indoor turf facility spanning 155,000 square feet for baseball, soccer and lacrosse training, plans showed.

Eric Weishaar, founder and president of Breckenridge Landscape, presented the development to village officials in November 2025. I & S Group, Inc. provided design services.

Kraus-Anderson, the project construction manager, estimated the total construction cost will range between $175 and $225 million, according to a letter from I & S Group. Two major factors that will influence the final cost are a proposed retail area and anticipated upgrades to State Highway 164, plans showed.

The architecture will have a “Colorado Mountain Town” influence throughout eight stages of development, plans showed. Amenities include concessions, restrooms, playgrounds, fitness trails and landscaped plazas. Additional uses include a craft bar and restaurant, banquet hall, hotel, gas station and future retail spaces for visitors and residents.

The development team has requested rezoning 42 acres at the northeast corner of Skyline Avenue and State Highway 164, an agenda showed. The parcel is around 150 acres, but at least 40% of it will be used for green and open space, plans showed.

Located in the far north side of Big Bend, the development is south of homes and open land in the village of Waukesha and west and north of homes in the village of Vernon, plans showed.

Some residents in Big Bend and Vernon spoke up with concerns about the aesthetic of the 70-foot proposed building, potential light pollution and traffic, local outlets reported. The village has a population of nearly 1,500, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; the planned Breck Athletic Complex will provide around 1,500 parking spaces.

There were no residential units included in the development plans.

The village of Big Bend Board of Trustees and Plan Commission will hold a joint public hearing on Jan. 29 to discuss the rezoning.

(Rendering credit ISG Inc.)



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Rec Sports

Brown Deer youth sports facility project proceeds with site purchase

Published

22 minutes ago

on

January 3, 2026

By


Jan. 2, 2026, 11:26 a.m. CT

A youth sports facility planned for Brown Deer has taken a step forward with the developer buying the project site for $3.2 million.

Brown Deer Development Partners LLC, an affiliate of Cobalt Partners LLC, bought the site on North Arbon Drive, south of West Brown Deer Road, on Dec. 30.

That’s according to a deed posted online by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The mostly vacant site was sold by Brown Deer Master P1 LLC, an affiliate of Royal Capital Group Ltd.



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Rec Sports

Hockey vs Trine (St. Cloud Youth Hockey Night) on 1/2/2026 – Box Score

Published

31 minutes ago

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January 3, 2026

By




[00:00], [00:00] Grainer, Peyton at goalie for TRINE.





[00:00], [00:00] Grainer, Peyton at goalie for TRINE.







[00:00], [00:00] Jon Howe at goalie for SJU.


[00:00], [00:00] Jon Howe at goalie for SJU.







Start of 1st period [00:00].


Start of 1st period [00:00].




Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.





Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan MISSED, save Jon Howe.







[00:43].


[00:43].







Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.


Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Mason Campbell WIDE.


Shot by SJU Mason Campbell WIDE.




Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan WIDE.





Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan WIDE.




Shot by TRINE Finn, Brendan MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Finn, Brendan MISSED, save Jon Howe.







[02:51].


[02:51].




Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.





Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Henry, Sean WIDE.





Shot by TRINE Henry, Sean WIDE.







Shot by SJU Jordan Newpower MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Jordan Newpower MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







[03:30].


[03:30].







Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.


Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Mason Campbell MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Mason Campbell MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.




Shot by TRINE Marquette, Max MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Marquette, Max MISSED, save Jon Howe.







[03:46].


[03:46].




Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.





Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Tierney, Blake MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Tierney, Blake MISSED, save Jon Howe.




Shot by TRINE Simko, Brody MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Simko, Brody MISSED, save Jon Howe.







[03:58].


[03:58].




Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.





Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Tierney, Blake BLOCKED by Jackson Bisson.





Shot by TRINE Tierney, Blake BLOCKED by Jackson Bisson.







[04:02].


[04:02].







Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Jordan Larkee won by SJU.


Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Jordan Larkee won by SJU.




Shot by TRINE Antenucci, Sam MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Antenucci, Sam MISSED, save Jon Howe.




Shot by TRINE DiPietra, Michael MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE DiPietra, Michael MISSED, save Jon Howe.







[04:34].


[04:34].




Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Larkee won by TRINE.





Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Larkee won by TRINE.







[04:48].


[04:48].




Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.





Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.







[05:27].


[05:27].







Faceoff DiPietra, Michael vs Cadyn Campbell won by SJU.


Faceoff DiPietra, Michael vs Cadyn Campbell won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Jackson Borst BLOCKED by Jeffers, Drew.


Shot by SJU Jackson Borst BLOCKED by Jeffers, Drew.





0



Saint John's Univ.

1



[06:51] GOAL by SJU Jordan Newpower (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Jackson Borst and Parker Gnos, On ice for SJU: Jordan Newpower; Jackson Borst; Parker Gnos; Mason Campbell; Logan Lyke, On ice for TRINE: Babich, Alexander; Furstenau, Logan; Johnson, Trayce; Cooper, Jack; Jeffers, Drew, goal number 4 for season.


0 – 1

[06:51] GOAL by SJU Jordan Newpower (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Jackson Borst and Parker Gnos, On ice for SJU: Jordan Newpower; Jackson Borst; Parker Gnos; Mason Campbell; Logan Lyke, On ice for TRINE: Babich, Alexander; Furstenau, Logan; Johnson, Trayce; Cooper, Jack; Jeffers, Drew, goal number 4 for season.




Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.





Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE DiPietra, Michael BLOCKED by Parker Gnos.





Shot by TRINE DiPietra, Michael BLOCKED by Parker Gnos.







[07:58].


[07:58].




Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.





Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Logan Lyke won by TRINE.







[08:12].


[08:12].







Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Larkee won by SJU.


Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Larkee won by SJU.




Shot by TRINE Johnson, Trayce WIDE.





Shot by TRINE Johnson, Trayce WIDE.







Shot by SJU Carter Krenke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Carter Krenke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







[09:11].


[09:11].




Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.





Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.







[09:15].


[09:15].




Faceoff DiPietra, Michael vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.





Faceoff DiPietra, Michael vs Cadyn Campbell won by TRINE.







Shot by SJU Cadyn Campbell MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Cadyn Campbell MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







Shot by SJU Jack Wandmacher BLOCKED by Antenucci, Sam.


Shot by SJU Jack Wandmacher BLOCKED by Antenucci, Sam.







[09:45].


[09:45].




Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.





Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.




[10:07] GOAL by TRINE deVries, Luke, On ice for TRINE: deVries, Luke; Jeffers, Drew; Furstenau, Logan; Cooper, Jack; Babich, Alexander, On ice for SJU: Chris Kernan; Jackson Bisson; Parker Gnos; Mason Campbell; Jack Wandmacher, goal number 2 for season.


1



Trine University

1




1 – 1

[10:07] GOAL by TRINE deVries, Luke, On ice for TRINE: deVries, Luke; Jeffers, Drew; Furstenau, Logan; Cooper, Jack; Babich, Alexander, On ice for SJU: Chris Kernan; Jackson Bisson; Parker Gnos; Mason Campbell; Jack Wandmacher, goal number 2 for season.







Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Logan Lyke won by SJU.


Faceoff Marquette, Max vs Logan Lyke won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Logan Lyke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Logan Lyke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.




Shot by TRINE Henry, Sean BLOCKED by Cashen Naeve.





Shot by TRINE Henry, Sean BLOCKED by Cashen Naeve.







[11:31].


[11:31].




Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.





Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Glinski, Dylan MISSED, save Jon Howe.







Shot by SJU Logan Lyke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Logan Lyke MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







[14:45].


[14:45].







Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.


Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Parker Gnos WIDE.


Shot by SJU Parker Gnos WIDE.




Shot by TRINE Wright, Josh MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Wright, Josh MISSED, save Jon Howe.




Shot by TRINE Furstenau, Logan MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Furstenau, Logan MISSED, save Jon Howe.




[17:48], [17:48] EMPTY NET at goalie for TRINE.





[17:48], [17:48] EMPTY NET at goalie for TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Furstenau, Logan WIDE.





Shot by TRINE Furstenau, Logan WIDE.




[17:48], [17:48] Grainer, Peyton at goalie for TRINE.





[17:48], [17:48] Grainer, Peyton at goalie for TRINE.







[17:48].


[17:48].







[17:48] Penalty on Logan Lyke SJU 2 minutes for TRIPPING, (power play opp).


[17:48] Penalty on Logan Lyke SJU 2 minutes for TRIPPING, (power play opp).




Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Newpower won by TRINE.





Faceoff Babich, Alexander vs Jordan Newpower won by TRINE.




[17:48] Start power play for TRINE.





[17:48] Start power play for TRINE.




Shot by TRINE Cooper, Jack MISSED, save Jon Howe.





Shot by TRINE Cooper, Jack MISSED, save Jon Howe.




[18:26] GOAL by TRINE Furstenau, Logan (POWER-PLAY), Assist by Antenucci, Sam and Simko, Brody, On ice for TRINE: Furstenau, Logan; Antenucci, Sam; Simko, Brody; Cooper, Jack; Babich, Alexander, On ice for SJU: Jordan Newpower; Jackson Borst; Conner Couet; Sam Berry, goal number 6 for season.


2



Trine University

1




2 – 1

[18:26] GOAL by TRINE Furstenau, Logan (POWER-PLAY), Assist by Antenucci, Sam and Simko, Brody, On ice for TRINE: Furstenau, Logan; Antenucci, Sam; Simko, Brody; Cooper, Jack; Babich, Alexander, On ice for SJU: Jordan Newpower; Jackson Borst; Conner Couet; Sam Berry, goal number 6 for season.







[18:26] Logan Lyke (SJU) penalty complete.


[18:26] Logan Lyke (SJU) penalty complete.




[18:26] End power play for TRINE.





[18:26] End power play for TRINE.







Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.


Faceoff Glinski, Dylan vs Chris Kernan won by SJU.







Shot by SJU Jordan Larkee MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Jordan Larkee MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







Shot by SJU Cam Boche MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.


Shot by SJU Cam Boche MISSED, save Grainer, Peyton.







[19:54].


[19:54].




Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Jordan Larkee won by TRINE.





Faceoff Antenucci, Sam vs Jordan Larkee won by TRINE.







End of period [20:00].


End of period [20:00].





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a Kinesiologist Casts Doubt on Sex-Based Athletic Differences

Published

38 minutes ago

on

January 3, 2026

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On January 13, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a landmark case about laws in Idaho and West Virginia restricting access to youth sports according to biological sex. (Here is my defense of the use of the term “biological sex” for anyone who does not care for it.) I read a new book coming out this month, Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports, which argues for what I would characterize as a radical inclusiveness for transgender athletes.

The book casts doubt on the power of testosterone on determining competitiveness in sports. It insists that sex is not binary. And it goes so far as to suggest that there shouldn’t even be sex segregation in sports at all. Here is a quote from the book that distills its central claims:

The prevailing cultural narrative that trans athletes pose a threat to cis athletes is harmful to trans athletes. There is no evidence that they are dangerous or hostile to their cis team-mates. The policies restricting trans athletes in the name of protecting cis athletes stem from the same sexist logic that created sex segregation in sports to begin with. They assume that cis women are weaker than cis men, that trans women have the same biological makeup as cis men, and that trans men have the same biological makeup as cis women, and so, trans men aren’t worth worrying about when they compete in men’s sports. Let’s have a better conversation about safety in sports that leads to more safety in sports for everyone.

I spoke with the book’s authors, Ellie Roscher, a writer and former college athlete, and Dr. Anna Baeth, a critical feminist scholar and cultural studies practitioner of sport who is the director of research at Athlete Ally. I hope you’ll give a listen to the video and share it.

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Rec Sports

What’s the deal with… local gas station closures?

Published

46 minutes ago

on

January 3, 2026

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Piedmont Gas and Auto Repair on Highland Avenue across from the police station is shuttered for the time being due to a state mandate that went into effect on Jan. 1.

Under a California law passed in 2014, single-walled underground storage tanks that lack secondary containment and continuous leak detection had to be closed by Dec. 31, 2025. The law was intended to help prevent groundwater contamination.

According to the State Water Resources Control Board, penalties for systems out of compliance are $500 to $5,000 per day per underground storage tank. A bill introduced last February to carve out a grace period for operators who were acting in good faith to upgrade their tanks went nowhere.

Both the Piedmont Gas and Auto Repair and Grand-Mandana Gas Station show up on the Water Board’s map of the state’s remaining single-walled underground tank sites.

The Highland station across from the police station is now encircled by a fence. An employee inside the building said the gas pumps would be closed for “three months” in order to upgrade the tanks.

In related news, demolition on the proposed Shell EV charging station on Wildwood Avenue started in October 2025 There is still no opening date set for that location after a city-approved plan for the site was upended by Shell. (See article below for details.)



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Youth hockey: Wildcats fly past Sachems | Sports

Published

54 minutes ago

on

January 3, 2026

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The Wilmington Bantam 1 squad, aided by a handful of Bantam 2 players, made the trip south to the Malden Valley For­um to face the Winches­ter Youth Hockey Sa­chems, and any concerns about post-holiday sluggishness were quickly put to rest.

Coming off the Bantam 1 and Bantam 2 Christ­mas party, one might have expected a slow start. Instead, Wilming­ton hit the ice with speed.

Crisp passing and disciplined defense defined the opening stretch, with Brian Doherty, Josh Sai­ja, Cody MacDonald, Jack Fennelly and Brayden Doe setting the tone ear­ly with noticeable intensity and enthusiasm.

The first 20 minutes passed without a goal, thanks in large part to strong defensive play and the steady goaltending of Evan Jageler, who kept the Sachems off the scoreboard.

The breakthrough came at the 3:51 mark of the second period following an offensive zone faceoff.

Johnny Raposo won the draw cleanly back to de­fenseman Brendan Cyr.

Cyr moved the puck to the near side boards, where Cody MacDonald retrieved it and fired a low, hard shot toward the net. Zach Stroud was waiting, tipping the puck home on the backhand from about 14 feet out to give Wilmington the 1–0 lead.

Momentum stayed with the Wildcats.

Cyr doubled the advantage with a perfectly placed snipe from the top of the faceoff circle, beating the goalie high on the far side.

The play developed off a textbook sequence that showcased Wilmington’s puck movement philosophy. Raposo delivered a cross-ice pass from his own blue line to Stroud at center ice, and Stroud quickly one timed the puck to Cyr, who finished it.

Defensively, Mason Des­mond and his blue line partner Cody MacDon­ald were outstanding, limiting Winchester’s of­fensive chances by forcing play to the outside and keeping attackers away from the high danger areas inside the dots.

Cyr capped off his standout performance with his second goal of the game and third point overall, scoring on a back door one-timer with 5:24 remaining.

The play began at the offensive blue line when Desmond collected a wraparound dump in from a Winchester de­fenseman. After a quick deke along the wall, Des­mond threaded a cross-ice pass to Cyr, who bur­ied the chance.

Desmond earned player of the game and wore the Wildcat battle helmet home. Evan Jageler collected his third shutout of the year, stopping all shots that came at him.

The Wildcats proved that they can enjoy the festivities and still bring a fast paced, disciplined game to the rink when it counts. Wilmington will return to action on De­cember 28 at 11:40 a.m., once again at the Malden Valley Forum, when they take on the Reading Rockets





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