The first state poll of the season has been released, and although it’s early, the Hockey Wildcats are at #1 as this young team is making a statement to the rest of Ohio. The Wildcats have the same amount of points as Toledo St. John. The stage is set for an entertaining early season showdown on Friday at the Padua Tournament at 5 pm (Iceland USA).
There’s no question that the 2012-2013 Saint Ignatius Hockey Wildcats have shown us that they will have their up’s and down’s, but the weekend of challenges that they come off of displayed that this team has the potential to be back in the thick of it when the postseason arrives.
The Wildcats kncoked back St. Edward on Friday night behind Bernie Cook’s tremendous performance in goal 3-1. Less than 24 hours later, the Wildcats exploded offensively and fought through powerhouse Shaker Heights 5-3.
Now, at 7-2-1, the Ice Cats are at the top of the first released state poll. Saint Ignatius is #1 as teams surrounded them include Toledo St. John, Walsh Jesuit, and University School. The Wildcats have faced all three of those teams, as they edged St. John 3-2, fell to Walsh Jesuit 3-2, and tied Univeristy School 2-2. It will be the top two teams in the state this weekend when Saint Ignatius meets Toledo St. John on Friday at 5 pm in the Padua Tournament at Iceland USA.
On Wednesday night, the Wildcats opened their week looking to build off their latest highs against Lake Catholic, who they rocked earlier this year in their opener 7-1. The ‘Cats tied Lake Catholic 1-1 and now sit 7-2-2 on the season.
It’s early in the season, but Pat O’Rourke’s Wildcats are showing that physicality, strength of schedule, and mental toughness can garner a top spot in the great state of Ohio.
The Wildcats were given 77 points as St. John’s is right with them with 77 points as well atop the poll.
Here is the poll:
1. Saint Ignatius – Total Points: 77
1. Toledo Saint John’s – Total Points: 77
3. Sylvania Northview – Total Points: 70
4. Walsh Jesuit – Total Points: 67
5. University School – Total Points: 57
5. St. Edward – Total Points: 57
7. Shaker Heights – Total Points: 45
8. Olentangy Liberty – Total Points: 23
9. Gilmour Academy – Total Points: 20
10. Lake Catholic – Total Points: 17
