BY CARTER SPEARRY ’16
For a reason that has left me puzzled for years, Saint Ignatius hockey just can’t beat Saint Edward in the playoffs. I don’t get it at all. In 2012, the best hockey team in Saint Ignatius hockey history went into the District Final with an incredible record of 39-0-0. After taking care of business in the regular season, the team of hockey titans who felt utterly invincible fell to the green and gold in an inconceivable upset.
Hockey District Final
vs. Saint Edward High School
at Brooklyn Ice Arena
on Saturday, March 5 at 1pm
Audio coverage by SIBN at http://www.ignatius.edu/sibn
Last season, after beating Saint Edward twice in the regular season, the Wildcats lost 3-2 in heartbreaking fashion. The team was distraught; 2014-2015 was supposed to be our year when we go back-to-back. The ‘Cats fell short. It felt all too similar.
Let me tell you, this will not be the case on Saturday at 1:00. The ‘Cats are way too hungry. Last year the players approached this game with an overconfident attitude. Various players told me leading up to the 2015 District Final “It’ll be a fun one” or “we should stomp these guys again.” Not this year. There is a stern attitude in the air. The ‘Cats are very focused on this game. They refuse to get embarrassed in front of their fans for the second year in a row.
Look to the seniors for leadership. Dylan McKeon, Aidan Spellacy, Brian Russell, Jared Stepka, and Cam Gerard have a State Championship under their respective belts. They also have the sour taste of last year in their mouths. Their careers will be remembered by their collective performance in the playoffs during their senior years.
McKeon set the record for career shutouts this season. Spellacy is playing at his full potential and is one of the most dangerous forwards in Ohio. Russell has been a brick wall in defense this season. Stepka has big tallies in both points and penalty minutes; he’s dangerous in a lot of ways. Gerard has been putting in quality performances at a consistent rate. The seniors who have been along for the ride since sophomore year know what it takes, and they will get it done.
The ‘Cats are simply too strong to fail. They refuse to lose.
