It’s not supposed to happen this way.

A team in its inaugural varsity season is expected to show marked improvement from game to game, but victories are generally reserved for the future.

Yet the Bedford ice hockey players, minus a senior class, opened up 2008-09 play with a 2-1 upset on Dec. 17 at Pembroke Academy, a unit which reached the playoffs last season and brought back nearly its entire lot, and a shocking 4-3 triumph against three-time defending state champ Souhegan on Saturday, Dec. 20.

“That’s a great young program they’ve got going there in Bedford,” said PA head coach Marc Noel. “In a couple years that team is going to be a powerhouse in Division III.”

If the first two games are any indication, the foundation is already set and the bricks and mortar are in place.

“It’s definitely a good thing we return everybody next year, but I don’t really see this season as a building block – that was last year. This season, we’re looking to really show that progress,” said Bedford coach Matthew Guerard. “Our expectation this year is just to work hard, be competitive in as many games as we can, and hopefully we can walk away with something we’re proud of.”

One of the main reasons for Bedford’s early success is junior goalie Ben Firman. Pembroke peppered him with 34 shots, yet he allowed only one to slip past him.

“He worked his butt off,” said Noel. “He was soaking wet at the end of the game.”

“You can’t underestimate the kid,” said Guerard. “He’s small, but he’s quick, he’s fast and he throws his body at everything.”

As far as skaters are concerned, Guerard, a former Pinkerton assistant, said his seven juniors – led by forwards Doug Steere, Kevin Shaughnessy and Sam Pelletier and defenseman Matt Mara – are expected to serve as his primary playmakers.

“You know, the guys who were our cornerstones last year (playing JV), are the same guys I expect will step up this year,” he said. “These kids are really selfmotivated, especially with this being our first year. The guys are really pumped up, ready to play and want to prove themselves.”

Aiding the cause are some fresh faces who have already made a positive impact.

Freshman Michael Ahern scored Bedford’s first varsity goal off a Steere assist, while freshman defenseman Tyler Wise proved a force on the blue line.

Also contributing for the Bulldogs this season are juniors Erik Gosselin and Tyler Mackay; sophomores Lucas Mercer, Alex Vandermiden, Shane Sullivan, James Face, Trevor Sonovick, Chad Johansen, Ryan Denninger, Patrick Spenard and Tyler Gosselin, who scored goal two against PA; and freshmen Luke McDonough, Kyle Silva and Mike Feeley.

“I think, talent-wise, we can get ourselves in position to do some great things,” said Guerard. “But I think the way these guys react to situations and how consistent they can play will dictate a lot in terms of where we’ll be at the end of the season.”