The Gateway Youth Hockey team is starting off the season with an acceptance into the Yankee League for the 2012-2013 season.

Head Coach Mike Houdlette and Assistant Coaches Ben Hathaway and Chris Smith said they are excited to be given an opportunity to play at a competitive level.

There are 30 games on the schedule, with rinks located from Randolph to Barnstable, giving the team plenty of opportunity to develop into a major contender in the league.

The team played its first game in Pembroke against Weymouth on Saturday, September 8, but lost 6-4.

The boys were off to a quick lead with both Matt St. John and Alex Atkinson scoring two goals each in the first period.

Then Weymouth came alive scoring five goals in just eight minutes. The sixth goal sent three players in the Gateway net, and goalie A.J. Bridges got banged up and had to leave the game. Teaghin Andre was outstanding in the net for Gateway.

The Gateway team took a 7-0 win in Raynham against Taunton on Sunday morning. Matt St. John had three goals unassisted and his first "hat trick" of the year.

Mike Houdlette scored the first goal of the game, unassisted. Will Paling slammed one in the net unassisted.

Alex Atkinson added one assisted by Doug Breault and Alex Hathaway. Brian Holmes scored the final goal for Gateway assisted by Brady Smith.