Photo Credit: Carolina Premier Hockey

Program Director Jeff Holdenrid had a lot of good things to say about the work of Carolina Premier Hockey this week.

“10UA

CPH 10UA finished its home at home series with the Columbia Cyclones this weekend down in Irmo. The 16UA squad cheered them on. First time goalie, Cooper Olson and goalie Charlie Schreiner stood tall in net, Oliver Klosek scored his third goal of this short season, and the team buckled down defensively to shut out the Cyclones for two periods of play. First game hard hat went to Kelly Young and second game hard hat went to Owen Slepian.

12UA  

A much improved weekend from last weekend against Columbia. The team was able to generate more offense and create solid scoring opportunities. The 6-2 score on Friday did not reflect the gameplay on the ice, CPH outshot Wilmington and carried puck possession the majority of the game with strong performances on both sides of the puck.

In Sunday’s game CPH got off to a quick start scoring a goal in the first period. Solid scoring chances to go up by 2 goals at times and just ran into a hot goaltender, it was nice to see the team make a solid push in the last 5 minutes of the game where they closed in on a 3 goal deficit and competed to the end getting within one goal. It would have been nice to have another 2-3 minutes of play. I think they could have tied it up.   Once again the goalies played amazing all weekend and gave CPH a chance to win. I thought they grew again this weekend as a team. The team showed no quit all weekend and stayed positive through all the different swings throughout the games. The coaches are excited to get back to practice with this squad and push forward.

12UAA

CPH 12UAA headed north to Greensboro last weekend for their first road games of the 2023-2024 campaign. CPH came out flying Saturday night against the Carolina Jr Thunderbirds and posted a 6-0 victory. They then backed that up with a 5-1 victory Sunday morningin a more closely contested game. While he wasn’t tested much thanks to great puck possession and team defense, goaltender Jacob Hinckley stood tall when they needed him and was able to record another shutout, allowing just 1 goal in 6 periods of hockey. Much like their first two games, CPH was able to spread the scoring out amongst 6 different goal scorers and many others recording at least a point. A nice 4-0 start to the season for CPH as they have a weekend off and then head to Charleston for their first tournament of the year.

14UA

The 14A team showed great heart for a successful weekend in Raleigh against the Raptors. Game 1 was a rollercoaster – CPH got off to a quick 3-0 lead early in the first period. However, a couple lengthy penalties to key players triggered a rally for the Raptors, and they took a 7-3 lead midway through the second period. CPH dug deep and showed great resilience to come from behind and win 8-7 with a late 3rd period goal. 

Game 2 was the polar opposite of game 1. It was a defensive struggle from the beginning. After a scoreless first period, CPH and Raleigh traded goals in the 2nd. They couldn’t capitalize on a couple of opportunities late in the 3rd period, and the 2 teams battled to the end for a 1-1 tie. 

16UAA

It was a tough weekend for the 16’s, having a short bench due to some injuries. First game was a battle, with both teams spending large amounts of time short handed. It was Columbia that took advantage of the power plays and squeezed out a 4-3 win against CPH. Solid D work and strong offensive presence from Carter Woodard. 

Game two was the complete opposite when it comes to game play. Little to no penalties in this match up. There were a number of the CPH squad that stepped and gave their team a chance to win. Time ran short and both teams fought hard for the 5-5 tie. This 16U team will spend the week getting back to full strength, regroup, and get ready for home games on Sunday vs our neighbors to the north, the JR Hurricanes.”