That the Rams lost to rival Gardiner 10-1 on Saturday night is probably disturbing enough to Cony hockey fans. But a greater concern is the lack of players on the Cony roster.

While Gardiner has 26 on its varsity roster along with a junuor varsity team, Cony suits just 17 and has no JV program. Where have all the players gone? Gardiner split from the Kennebec Youth Hockey Association several years ago to form Gardiner Youth Hockey and the move is paying off. The Tigers have a roster filled with talent and should challenge for the Class B state championship this season.
Cony graduated 13 seniors but has few players to take their place. Yes, the Rams are young and building, but this is a tough way to do it. Among the 17 players on the roster, 10 are freshmen or sophomores and many of those should be learning the game at the JV level. Instead, they're pressed into varsity service.
It's time to re-examine the youth programs to see what can be done about attracting more players. Gardiner has set an example worth emulating.