YARMOUTH – North Yarmouth Academy Athletic Director Jeff Thoreck confirmed on Thursday that starting next season, the Panthers will no longer participate in the Maine Principal’s Association tournament, and will instead join the New England Division II Prep League.
“We sent out a letter to all of the parents as of yesterday,” Thoreck said. “We will have more information available in a formal release. Basically, the letter went home explaining all of the benefits, such as more exposure for the kids, a more consistent schedule, and so that we can separate ourselves a bit from the other schools in the league.”
According to Thoreck, NYA will continue to schedule teams such as Lewiston, St. Dom’s, Cheverus, Edward Little and Portland, because they play at a consistent level.
“We really would like to keep out top rivalries if possible,” Thoreck said. “Those teams are top notch teams.”
From the parents’ perspective, the move is almost a no-brainer.
“I think the move is great,” said Larry Lynch, whose son is a sophomore on the team this season. “He couldn’t be happier, and really neither could we. I am not sure that all of these kids are necessarily going anywhere in hockey, but they all want to play at that higher level.”
Earlier this season, NYA played against Brewster of Massachusetts, regarded as one of the top teams in Prep Division II, and lost narrowly, 4-3.
“NYA’s had too many players leave to play elsewhere, and they are not leaving because of academics,” Lynch said. “Also, in the prep league, scheduling will be more regular, and will allow the kids to concentrate more on their studies.”
According to Thoreck, the school will continue to abide by the MPA’s no-recruiting policy, in order to protect the rest of their sports from being sanctioned.
“There may be some parents against it,” Lynch said, “but I think the majority of us are all in favor of it. Besides, traveling to play teams in the Boston area is just about like traveling to play in Bangor or Brewer for us anyway. It’s a great opportunity for the kids.”
jpelletier@sunjournal.com
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