Owen Knapp `15
The Ice Eagles started their playoff campaign with big wins over Avon Lake and Padua, 18-0 and 4-1, respectively. Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Rec the Eagles took on the Holy Name Green Wave which would end up being the culminating game for the season. The Eagles who stood at 20-18 on the season outshot holy name 28-24, but unfortunately none found the back of the net. Many of the Eagles’ opportunities came on a late power-play with 4 minutes left in the game when Holy Name goalie CJ Balodis stopped every chance. The offensive front for the eagles turned out to be their demise as Bucell from Holy Name netted the game-winning goal on a one-on-one opportunity. The Eagles came back with many scoring opportunities but any chance of a late comeback was nullified as the Eagles were whistled for a penalty with 1:54 to go in the game. This meant the end of a great 2013-2014 season for the Eagles. They were a young team with great senior leadership. Those leaders will be missed, senior captains Todd Price and Andrew Zirneskie led a powerful attack for the Eagles, along with seniors, Brendan McCann, Joe Tada, Chance Maxwell, and Kevin Dechant. With only five seniors, the eagles will surely be back next year. With sophomores Nate Ward, Sean Steckle and Goalie Warren Hill, along with Freshman Curtis Szelesta the team has a bright future. Players like Trevor Lewandoski and Alex Sabitsch will lead the defense next season and Collin Mitchell and Will Armbruster will lead the attack. The loss wednesday is a tough one for St. Edward Hockey who has the “state champs or bust” mentality. The Eagles will look for their twelfth state title next season and with young talent they have everything they need to succeed.