The boys' varsity hockey team traveled to St. Mark’s earning a league point by virtue of a 3 – 3 tie. The Zebras were especially proud to win the season series with a win and a tie and the all important three league points.
The game was the most exciting Eberhart Leagues contest this season. Junior Chris J scored on a power play goal half way into the first period with helpers from Jr’s AJ L and Will K. With six minutes to go in the period, a St. Mark’s player ripped a slap shot over the head of senior goalie Mike P causing the glass to fracture and delaying the game for 25 minutes. After the delay, the teams battled for the remaining six minutes of the first period resulting in an MX 1 – 0 lead.
Ten minutes into the second period, while on the power play, St. Mark’s leading scorer tied the game up on a rebound. Mike P kept the Lions at bay for the remainder of the period with both teams heading to their locker rooms tied 1 – 1.
The intermission was special for the boys wearing cardinal, white and black. Coach Mallen delivered a motivating speech which brought this close knit team to virtual tears and ready to battle to the end for their brothers. Less than three minutes into the third period, senior captain Blake C feathered a pass to Will K who lit the lamp giving MX a 2 - 1 lead. The Lions remained hungry, attacking the Zebras and scoring three minutes later. With the score tied, Will K chipped a puck from the blue line to the half board where line mate AJ L snagged it from a Lion defender and attacked the net to score and give the Zebras a 3 – 2 lead with 5:22 remaining.
As the clock drove down to 1:00 remaining in regulation, St. Mark’s pulled their goalie to add an extra skater. With the clock winding down, Will K flipped a puck out of the defensive zone and to the Lions blue line where AJ L caught it in stride, appearing to have the inevitable empty netter at 11.7 seconds however; the official deemed the play to be off sides, nullifying the two goal lead and further decided to add two seconds to the game clock. With the faceoff in the Zebra’s defensive zone and fourteen seconds now on the clock, the Lions had a new lease on life and they took advantage by scoring the game tying goal with .9 seconds remaining.
Both teams entered the five minute overtime period with equal determination and a desire to be the victor. The effort of the team; freshman, sophomores, and upperclassmen was outstanding. Every player proudly walked out of the Lions den with their head help high. On this Saturday, both Eberhart League opponents battled to a hard fought 3 - 3 tie.
