David Long

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

David Long is tough to beat in the net.

Just a freshman, Long has faced over 100 shots in three starts in goal for the Lake Region/Fryeburg Academy/Oxford Hills Ice Cats varsity ice hockey team. He blanked South Portland, 4-0, Monday.

“David is a committed goalie and has shown that he can be calm and cool in tight situations,’ Ice Cats head coach Dave Lepage said. “He is gaining confidence on a daily basis as a freshman starting for the varsity team.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, David is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Long File

Name: David Long

Year in School: Freshman

Town: South Paris

Parents: Aimee Long and Dave Ray

Sports you play: Ice Hockey

Q. Best piece of advice you have received? DL. It is just another shift of another period of another game in a long high school career for you — Coach Mike Misner.

Q. Who is your biggest fan? DL. I guess I could say my biggest fan would be my father because no matter what, he is at every game and always supports me, win or lose.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when… DL. I have a good day when I leave the ice knowing I did what I had to do and there is nothing I would have changed about it.

Q. What is your favorite sport? DL. My favorite sport by far is ice hockey.

Q. If I could change one thing about yourself as an athlete, I would change… DL. If I could change something about me as an athlete I would change my size because sometimes at key moments it matters.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and who do you consider a good teammate? DL. I think a good teammate is someone who is always positive about the game and is picking everyone else up and not just himself. I believe a good teammate is Dakota Russo because I see him passing on the ice and he pumps us up before the game and during (the game).

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? DL. I believe I bring a presence showing that you don’t need to be the biggest kid or you don’t have to be a senior to play a good varsity game. I bring a strong, confident goalie for my defenseman.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? DL. I think a good coach can tell his players the harsh truth, but can help pick his players up even when they are at there lowest. Also, a good coach knows what he is talking about and never lies to his players.