Kyle Smith and Colby Gilbert will be keys as the Edward Little hockey team looks to defends its state title.
By Justin Pelletier
Staff Writer

LEWISTON – With recognition comes pressure, especially in Maine Class A high school hockey.

Lewiston, North Yarmouth Academy, St. Dom’s and Waterville are used to the pressure, each having won multiple state championships, and each having a rabid fan base that expects nothing less than a title every year.

This year, Edward Little will get a quick lesson on what the other four schools go through every year, and two players in particular, Kyle Smith and Colby Gilbert, will shoulder much of that pressure.

“Kyle and Colby are two very unique players,” said EL coach Jamie Belleau.

“Kyle, with his talent, is going to put points on the board anyway, and Colby has a knack for playing well in the defensive zone as well.”

MVP summer

One of the highlights of summer hockey in the United States is the annual Hockey Night in Boston Tournament, played in August. Select teams representing every region of the country take to the ice as a showcase for talent scouts from college and professional teams.

This summer, both Smith and Gilbert were selected to play in the tournament, and both did extremely well. Smith finished tied for the tournament lead in points, while Gilbert finished in the top five.

“The experience was great,” said Smith. “It lets you see what’s out there beyond Maine high schools. It was much quicker. I think Maine high school hockey is looked down on a bit from the other states, and we had to prove ourselves a bit, but I think we did that.”

As a bonus to the experience, Smith was voted co-MVP of the tournament. Gilbert, despite coming home without any personal hardware, also had a positive experience and is thrilled to back home with his EL teammates.

“It was fun at that tournament,” said Gilbert, “but now the focus is back here, with this team. It’s hard on you when you know everyone else is gunning for you.”

Personal goals

Last season, the two Edward Little forwards combined for more than 120 points, with Smith besting all of Class A at 71 points. Not only is there pressure on the team to again win a title, or at least be in contention, but there is a certain pressure that rests on Smith and Gilbert’s’shoulders, as well.

“I don’t see it as pressure, really,” said Gilbert. “it’s something else that pushes me to be a better player.”

Of course, most players on opposing teams will be out to make sure that Gilbert and Smith don;t achieve their personal goals, or even come close to the point totals they reached last season.

“We know that players will be after Colby and Kyle this year,” said Belleau. “We know that it will be hard for them to stay out of the box, but that is very important. If those two can manage to keep their cool, we’ll be very good shape this season.”

The team comes first

Even though both Smith and Gilbert know that they will most likely lead the team, not only on the ice but off of it as well, they also realize how important it is to put the team first.

“If we stay out of the box we have the advantage,” said Smith, “and we have to realize that that means putting the team ahead of ourselves and the emotions we might have. I don;t consider myself any different than anyone else on the team. Colby’s role and my role are well known, but we are all still just one team.”

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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