HAVERFORD, PA-
Regulation time was not enough for the Philadelphia Catholic League Club Ice Hockey Championship game to be determined Thursday night at the Skatium in Haverford, PA.
Cardinal O’Hara and Father Judge battled to a 2-2 tie. The game went into overtime, with the Lions eventually scoring the game winning goal.
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Father Judge 2018 PCL Club Championship Highlight Video
The game started out fast. Cardinal O’Hara came out early with a lot of pressure, and both teams recorded penalties in the opening five minutes on the clock. The Lions doubled-up Father Judge on shots 11-6 in the period and the ice was tilted in their direction. O'Hara's John Paul Ahearn fired a turnaround shot with just 4:36 to go in the period. Ahearn’s shot went wide, but deflected back into the goal off a Judge defender. O’Hara’s Zac Deemer and Ryan Seibert were credited with the assists.
Going into the second, O’Hara continued to amp up the pressure.
“You’ve got to be relentless,” said O’Hara captain Justin Boornazian.
O’Hara captain Liam McCanney scored the Lion’s second goal on a goal-mouth pileup due to a delayed penalty. Deemer racked up his second assist of the game on McCanney’s shot. As the second period waned on, Father Judge turned on the defense and began to battle back. Judge goalie Mark Allendorf kept the Crusaders in the game with sprawling saves and a wickedly quick glove.
In the third, Father Judge needed to mount a comeback, and the Crusaders did just that. Judge junior Matt Ryan converted his team’s first goal on a breakaway just three minutes into the period, putting O’Hara on their heels.
O’Hara head coach Ed Banes explained that his team began to play a little soft in the beginning of the third period, due to their two-goal advantage.
“The team got a little too cute in the neutral zone,” said Banes.
After Judge tightened the gap 2-1, both teams continued to fight with hard hits coming at every open opportunity. Cardinal O’Hara took a late penalty, and 40 seconds later, Judge captain Mark Marron tied the game up for the Crusaders. Sean Melso and Tom Scannell were credited with assists on the play. The Lions and Crusaders played out the final three minutes in regulation.
Post Game Interviews with O'Hara's Justin Boornazian, Liam McCanney & John Paul Ahearn:
Post Game Interview with Cardinal O'Hara head coach, Ed Banes:
McCanney explained that O’Hara’s game plan in overtime did not alter from their original strategy that the Lion’s put in place at the beginning of the season.
“That’s been our game all year, getting the puck deep, playing body, and going to work,” said McCanney, who also serves as the Lion’s co-captain.
2018 PCL Blue Championship - Photos by Matt Maratea
In overtime, McCanney stayed true to his team’s plan and “went to work.” Shortly after the period began, the captain found a rebound in front of Judge’s goal and sailed a solid shot to the back of the goal off an assist from Ahearn.
Cue an eruption of cheers from O’Hara’s bench and fans in attendance…
“It was surreal,” said McCanney. “Nothing beats that…scoring a game winner in front of your stands like that.”
After the game, coach Banes lauded his team on their success and noted that the Lions still have work left to be done, as their focus shifts to winning the Flyers Cup.
“These guys deserved it,” said Banes. “We’ve got some stuff to work on Sunday, and then another test (the Flyers Cup). I’m excited that this was a tough game and that Judge played us so tough. It gives us something to work on.”
Father Judge will also be competing in the Flyers Cup. The Crusaders look to use this game as motivation going forward.
“(This past Wednesday) We had a big win against Archbishop Ryan, and everyone has been down on us before,” said Marron. “We’re going to use this and find some promise.”
Looking Ahead - Flyer’s Cup AAA Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
Cardinal O’Hara (No. 5) will face-off against La Salle College High School (No. 4) on Thursday, March 8 at the Hatfield Ice Arena at 7:10 PM. Father Judge (No. 7) is set to play St. Joseph’s Prep (No. 2), also on Thursday, at the Haverford Skatium at 8:00 PM.