The Maine Renegades squirt hockey team played tough against a couple of top teams in Valley League hockey action this past weekend.

In the first of two games, the Renegades absorbed a hard-fought 4-2 loss to top-seeded Wakefield, Mass., on Saturday. Jack St. Pierre got the Rens on board early in the first period with Caden Smith assisting. The Rens held the lead until late in the second period before the opponent scored two quick goals.

Wakefield scored two more in the third. Reed Hopkins answered with a goal and brought life to the Renegades. Maine had many more chances to get it close but could not get the puck in the net. Hard hat player of the game went to Hopkins.

The second game of the day was a 2-1 loss against New Hampshire Tier 2 champions Concord. Caden Smith got the Rens a 1-0 lead early in the first period. The Rens held off Concord until the middle of the second period.

It was tied 1-1 until three minutes to go in the third period, when Concord collected the game-winner. The Rens pulled the goalie with one minute to go and had many scoring opportunities before the buzzer sounded. Goaltender Jacob Smith faced 23 shots in the loss. Hard hat player of the game went to Caden Smith.

The squirts are back in Valley League action next weekend before the playoffs start the following weekend.

The Maine Renegades are currently looking for players interested in playing for their squirt team next season. Players who are birth years 2001 to 2003 may find information on the team’s website, www.mainerenegades.com.