RallyNorth.net

Wildcats find home in Amesbury

Thursday, January, 24 By David Willis
Staff writer

Amesbury hockey coach Peter Cignetti could not overstate the importance of his squad's new co-op program with Whittier Tech.

"I don't think the program would have survived without Whittier's contributions," said the second-year coach. "It is something that has worked out really well."

After a 3-16-1 season a year ago, the Indians' numbers were at a record low this season. So they looked to the school down the road for help.

"Amesbury's AD (Elizabeth McAndrews) asked us and got the ball rolling," said Whittier athletic director Kevin Bradley. "The league voted in favor of it, and it was approved by both school committees, both principals and superintendents."

Whittier's hockey team disbanded after the 1991 season. Currently, 11 Whittier students are playing in the Amesbury hockey program, with seven on the varsity team.

"A lot of parents have asked if we would get hockey," said Bradley. "But we just didn't have the numbers. This is a perfect fit. There has been plenty of interest and we try to accommodate everyone. A lot of kids are excited about the opportunity."