Campbell Gwin’21 looks for an open teammate. (Inji Kang’19/Media)
After being narrowly defeated in the first two games of the season by some of the top programs in the state, the Vikings have found their groove. Academy’s overall record is now an impressive 13-5-1, and the Vikes have won 11 of their last 14 games. After a pair of tremendous performances, against Upper Arlington on Friday, January 19, and versus Olentangy Dublin Hockey Club on Saturday, January 20, CA sits at the top of its division.
The young Vikings had a huge challenge in front of them when they traveled to the Chiller Ice Haus for a showdown against Upper Arlington on Friday, January 19. It was a battle between one of the most storied programs in Ohio and the newest program in the state. The Golden Bears entered the game undefeated on the year, and were heavily favored over CA.
Both teams used the first period as an opportunity to get a feel for each other’s style of play. The Vikes had multiple penalty kills that kept the Golden Bears in check, and, even though both teams had some quality chances, the game remained scoreless after 15 minutes.
Academy head coach, Corey Taber, instructed his team to play more aggressively in UA’s zone and to find the open man. But it was the Golden Bears that struck first, with a well-executed power play goal in the opening minutes of the second period.
Attempting to respond with a goal of their own, the Vikings created many opportunities. UA’s goalkeeper stood tall, and the Golden Bears took their 1-0 lead into the final period.
In desperate need of a big play, Academy’s top goal-scorer Jacob Sardo’19 answered the call. He received a perfect pass from freshman Luke Budzik and sliced his way through UA’s defensive zone. Sardo created just enough space for himself to let off a wicked wrist shot that sailed into the back of the net, evening the score at 1.
UA was unfazed, and less than a minute later responded with a goal of its own. Stunned, the Vikes were in need of a break. Luckily, the Golden Bears gifted them one, as they committed multiple uncharacteristic penalties. So, with just five minutes remaining, Academy found itself in a 5-3 power play for a full minute. CA pounced on the opportunity, with a coast to coast unassisted goal by Cole Walker‘19, again tying the game.
Neither squad could net another goal, and the game ended in a draw, an impressive result for the Vikings against one of the most talented teams in Ohio.
On Saturday, January 20, Academy faced off against the Olentangy Dublin Hockey Club for the third time this season. Academy dominated from start to finish, ripping the Phantoms’ defense for 12 goals. Junior Gunnar Geiger led the scoring party with five goals, followed by a hat trick from freshman Campbell Gwin. Juniors Keenan Bellisari, Aidan Macchia, Sardo, and Walker all had one apiece. On the other end, freshman Max Crane secured his second shutout on the season.
With a successful weekend for the Vikes, they will clash with Dublin Jerome in an away game on Friday, January 26.
