Scott A. takes a face-off against DeSales (Courtesy/Cindy Wilson)
Academy’s meeting with DeSales on Sunday, November 24, was a huge improvement. The game started with freshman Brady M. drawing a tripping call to start off the Vikings power play. Unfortunately, nothing would come from it. Sydney L. started strong before letting a shot slip past her with 2:10 left in the period. The first period wasn’t for nothing as Jake S. layed on a gnarly hit in the final minute of play.
The Viking offense came alive in the second half with Jake L., Owen L., Jake S., and Katie V., getting shots on frame. Thanks to a big save from Sydney, Josh S. was able to slap one before being turned away by the Stallions goaltender. The Vikings Defense was next to wake up as the Jake duo of Jake L and Jake S. knocked the Stallions down onto the ice. It wasn’t until Scott A. would find Landon L. for the maroon and gray to get on the board for the first time this year. A few shots later, Landon would light the lamp once again to give the Vikings a rare lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Sydney would do all she could making some critical saves to squander any Desales hope. It wasn’t until Jake S found himself ejected for a questionable hit that the Vikings looked out of place. DeSales was able to capitalize off this moment and tied the game with three seconds remaining.
Let’s dive into the positives. Landon had a day with the offense. He took it upon himself and got some goals. He learned from the St Charles game and we got on the board which is excellent. Next, our physicality was on another level. The Jake duo spent the night crashing into Stallions, and our defense was top-notch. Finally, Sydney L. played an outstanding game. Going from fifteen goals down to two is a strong sign of the good to come as she continues to improve.
Looking at the negatives, the defense needs help. DeSales was shooting at will and proved that “if you shoot a million shots, you’ll score a thousand times.” Defense needs to step in front and eat a few. That starts with the upperclassmen, which is tough when Jake S. leaves the game early on a bad call. If Jake continues to find himself in the box and off the ice, the Viking defense will have to step up to the occasion. Lastly, Landon will need some help. Scott found him once for a goal–and if the team can work on finishing and finding the back of the net–then the third period will be less stressful with a comfortable lead.
On Friday, December 6, The Vikings went after Gahanna Lincoln and produced yet another stalemate. It was more or less an equal showing with Landon leading the offense and tallying two goals on the Lions. A “Jake S.-less “defense allowed only two goals without their enforcer. Scott A. compensated with a couple of hits, but Jake’s presence on the ice is unmatched with the undersized roster. He will serve one more game suspension against St Xavier after leaving the game early versus DeSales. The Vikes will look to bounce back against St. Xavier on Sunday, December 8, and then Gahanna-Lincoln again on Friday, December 13.
