BIDDEFORD — The first day of practice can border on the humdrum, but for Thornton Academy, the initial session at Biddeford Ice Arena was anything but ordinary.
After all, the Golden Trojans were hitting the ice en masse for the first time since capturing the Maine Class A state championship on March 12.
Then there’s the oh-by-the-way matter of their new coach, Jamie Gagnon, who took over for Shawn Rousseau, who is now teaching and coaching at the Kent School in Connecticut.
When Gagnon last conducted an on-ice drill at BIA, he wore the orange and black of Biddeford, Thornton’s ancient rival, where he coached the Tigers to a pair of state titles, and assisted on a third.
Humdrum? Harumph.
“We knew that he was a great coach from Biddeford’s past,” said senior goalie Joe Ferrante. “Three state championships. That’s incredible. We were all excited when he came.
“He changed over to the good side. So it’s all good.”
Ferrante’s praise came after a grueling 80-minute session that featured far more ice shavings than pucks.
Perhaps sometime down the line, the Trojans will find a third-period surge thanks to the grueling pre-season work.
“I think he’s more of a skating kind of coach,” said hulking senior defenseman Tyler Danley. “We’re just starting to get to know him. Great guy. Great first impression.”
The fact that Gagnon brings such a strong resume with him to Thornton carries a lot of weight with the Trojans, who will have a large returning cast.
Ergo, when the new coach speaks, he’ll have an attentive audience.
“He’s got three state championships,” said Danley. “He knows what it takes.”
Gagnon’s message to his new charges will be one he’s preached before: The season is new, and a championship is to be won, not defended.
“It’s amazing when you think about it,” said Gagnon. “To say you’re defending a title with a new team is kind of tough to say. But you’re always competing for a chance at another one. That is and always will be my philosophy, no matter how many I have a chance to take part in. Every year, we’re going to work hard to compete and try to be in one at the end.”
Even though he is the “new guy” from “across the bridge,” Gagnon is stepping into a group that shares his commitment.
“Last year was a miracle,” said Ferrante. “It was a great feeling. Hopefully we’re going to do it again this year. Our team’s looking good, everybody feels good. It’s going to be a good year, I think.”
If so, the first big step has already been taken.
Gagnon won’t have to wait for the opportunity to lead his new club into battle with his old one.
The Trojans will open their season Dec. 10 against, you guessed it, Biddeford.
It’s fair to say that BIA will be crammed to the rafters for that one.
Also, Thornton will raise its championship banner to the ceiling, Saturday, prior to the school’s alumni game.
— Contact Staff Writer Dan Hickling at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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