Battle Tested: Wilmington Boys Hockey Earns Fourth Straight Cape Ann League Title

boys hockey coach Steve Scanlon was surprised with the dominant regular season his team was able to put together this year. North Reading mentor John Giuliotti, however, was not.

The Wildcats capped their fourth consecutive Cape Ann League championship Wednesday night as they dominated the visiting Hornets, 6-2.

"They're a championship team, they know how to win and they're battle tested," said Giuliotti after his squad dropped to 7-7-1 in league play thanks to the defeat at .

Scanlon's squad improved to 13-1-1 after the decision, and thanks to the win the Wildcats snagged their 10th crown in the last 16 years and won a fourth straight title for the second time during the stretch.

"I thought we'd be competitive, but I didn't think we had a shot to stay on top all year and win another title. It's a nice feather in our cap," said Scanlon. "It's our last year in the league, so it's a good way to go out. We've only got one spot left on our banner, so we're looking to fill that."

Sophomore Cam Owens put on a sparkling offensive performance during the win as he carved through North Reading's defense and earned a hat trick. Owens scored twice in the first period as the hosts went ahead 3-0 after 15 minutes.

Thomas Potter brought the Hornets within two goals at 3-1 when he put home a rebound just 13 seconds into the second period, but with 2:40 to play in the frame, Andy Owens joined his brother in the scorebook with another Wilmington tally.

Potter once more brought his team back within two goals with 11:06 to play when his power play goal made the score 4-2 following a massive hit by a Wilmington player that led to the man advantage.

Just over a minute later, however, Cam Owens picked up speed in transition and flew towards the net for his final score and Dalton Rolli connected on a perfect pass from John Malone late in the period to ice the win.

"When we've dug some holes for ourselves I've been asking the kids to dig down deep, keep pounding it and working it," said Giuliotti. "They didn't quit. The scoreboard said one thing but I was proud of the way they played until the very end."

Scanlon said key to his team's success this year was the development of a group of young skaters who have provided goals throughout the season. Also, Joseph Aucoin has been a pleasant surprise for his mentor, putting together an "all-star caliber season," at goalie as Scanlon said.

With its league championship under wraps, Wilmington now uses the rest of the regular season to tune up for a postseason run.

"That's a team that's going to be there until the end," said Giuliotti. "I tell my guys, we're very fortunate to be able to play a team like Wilmington. Cape Ann League to me is the best league in Division 2 public high school hockey. That's a team we're going to need to beat in order to win the state championship. We got a taste of it tonight, you learn from it and you move forward."

Newburyport handed the Wildcats their first defeat of the season on Saturday during a 5-4 road setback. 

In the past, Scanlon has been critical of his team even after lopsided wins. Following the contest against North Reading, however, he had no complaints.

"I think the kids have been feeling the pressure of trying to clinch the thing," said Scanlon. "Tonight, we're happy."