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How Sportball Is Nurturing Healthy Youth Development Built on Confidence and Community

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Parents often overemphasize their children’s chances of becoming professional athletes. A recent study suggests that 17% of parents believe their kids are destined to go pro, yet the reality may be starkly different. This widening disconnect between parental expectations and children’s actual experiences in sports can have cascading consequences. “This gap can lead to losing all the fun in sports along the way,” says Laura Peever, Head of Marketing at Sportball. “If the objective is to produce elite athletes, children may miss out on the joy, curiosity, and learning that come from simply playing.” 

Sportball (Source: Sportball)

It’s this very philosophy that defines Sportball’s mission, a company that specializes in multi-sport programming for children from 16 months to 12 years. The company offers the alternative journey for children pursuing sports: an intentional first touchpoint with sports, designed not to push children toward a professional career, but to help them develop confidence, resilience, and a positive relationship with physical activity from the earliest stages. 

The benefits of youth sports are far-reaching, extending well beyond the playing field. Children who engage in structured sports programs can develop social-emotional skills such as teamwork, confidence, communication, and empathy, alongside cognitive gains in concentration, problem-solving, and leadership. 

Physical development can be equally critical, from coordination and motor skills to foundational fitness that supports long-term health. “Our programs are preventative,” says Jason D’Rocha, Vice President of Sportball. “We deal with issues like obesity and sedentary behavior before they start, helping children build healthy habits that can serve them their entire lives.”

Peever believes that mental health impact is equally crucial. She states, “Getting kids off screens and into safe, playful, community-based environments could help address the growing mental health challenges children face today.” 

Sportball (Source: Sportball)

Sportball’s approach is carefully tailored to children’s developmental stages. From 16 months to two years, the ABCs of Sport program uses elements like puppets, songs, and bubbles to teach pre-verbal children basic motor skills and coordination. By the ages of two to three, children progress to parent participation with storytelling and age-appropriate skill-building activities. From three to 12, drop-off programs encourage independence while fostering teamwork, leadership, and social skills that are aimed at translating to life beyond sports. 

At Sportball, multi-sport experiences are central: children rotate weekly through basketball, soccer, football, and more, exposing them to diverse movement patterns, reducing strain, and keeping engagement and excitement high. “Multi-sport play allows children to discover what they love,” says Peever. “Some kids are self-directed, but others might never pick up a ball otherwise. Exposure ensures they benefit from sports without early specialization.” To this, D’Rocha adds, “Contrast creates attention. Switching sports frequently sparks curiosity and creativity, helping kids find their passion organically.”

Fun remains at the core of Sportball’s programs. Classes use storytelling, imaginative scenarios, and animated instruction to engage children, while coaches adapt to individual needs, ensuring every child feels included and successful. Peever calls this the “Sportball magic”: the ability for a coach to manage the beautiful chaos of a class, tailoring guidance so that children of all abilities can participate fully. Games like “Popcorn,” where toddlers collect colorful balls from across the gym, can teach basic skills, turn-taking, and attention while offering a first taste of achievement and confidence.

This inclusive and purposeful coaching extends to Sportball’s own team. A rigorous certification system trains coaches from rookie level to master, equipping them to lead, mentor, and eventually open franchises themselves. “Our coaches learn to coach with purpose,” explains D’Rocha. “Every skill, activity, and game is designed with a clear outcome, whether that’s building coordination, resilience, or confidence, and we communicate that purpose to parents, too.”

Ultimately, Sportball’s philosophy embraces the broader, long-term value of structured youth sports. By combining physical activity with social interaction, mentorship, and multi-sport exposure, children can develop skills that transfer beyond the gym: leadership, empathy, resilience, and healthy habits. 

“Well-designed youth sports programs like Sportball can turn a game into a catalyst for personal growth, emotional resilience, and community well-being,” says D’Rocha, “shaping a generation that’s confident and capable.”

In a time when digital moments are proliferating and parents are seeking meaningful, human-centered opportunities for their children, Sportball offers a future-proof model. “We’re in a world that is seeking physical experiences,” Peever reflects. “These programs create real-life human connections, learning and playing, that’s something technology cannot replicate. That’s a rare and invaluable gift for children today, and for communities of tomorrow.”



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Rec Sports

More than 170M youth sports complex proposed for Big Bend

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January 3, 2026

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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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Brown Deer youth sports facility project proceeds with site purchase

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January 3, 2026

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

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January 3, 2026

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[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

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

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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

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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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