Junior David Li looks for an opening. (Inji Kang’19/Media)
The CA ice hockey team had a tough start to the weekend when it was outlasted by Dublin Jerome, but the squad recovered nicely with a narrow victory over St. Xavier.
On Friday, January 26, the Vikes faced off against a team that has given them trouble all season, Dublin Jerome. The Celts proved to be too much for Academy again, winning the matchup 8-1. Junior Jacob Sardo scored the lone goal for the Vikings.
With Jerome taking a commanding lead early, CA didn’t have enough to keep pace. Academy was plagued by penalties throughout the contest, and a veteran Jerome team capitalized on the extra-man advantage several times, cruising to victory.
On Saturday, January 27, the Vikings travelled to Cincinnati for a rematch against St. Xavier. In the first meeting, CA came away with a convincing 6-3 win. This time around, the game was more tightly contested, but the Vikes prevailed again, 5-4.
The Bombers looked hungry for revenge in the game’s opening minutes, notching the first goal of the game. But CA responded with a goal of its own just a few minutes later. It was junior co-captain Gunnar Geiger that got the Vikings on the board, scoring an unassisted shorthanded goal.
Towards the end of the period, junior co-captain Cole Walker’19 netted an unassisted goal of his own, utilizing a slick breakaway move to beat the goalie on his glove side.
The Vikes created a cushion for themselves in the second period, with two quick goals from Campbell Gwin’21 and Sardo. Now facing a 4-1 deficit, the Bombers didn’t back down but instead came marching back with a pair of goals of their own. The St. Xavier fans erupted, as their team had drawn to within 1.
Walker wouldn’t have it. He scored directly off the ensuing face off, just fifteen seconds later, stunning the home crowd.
The Bombers weren’t going anywhere. They immediately responded with a goal, making the Vikes’ advantage just 5-4 heading into the third period.
With St. Xavier desperately trying to tie the game for the entirety of the final period, Academy’s defense stood tall, and preserved the win.
The Vikes are now 15-6-1 on the season and have a showdown against St. Charles at the Chiller Ice Works on Sunday, February 4.
