Ice Dons Capture Second Consecutive MIAA “B” Crown
Loyola Blakefield's varsity ice hockey team (7-1-2, MIAA) found itself in a familiar position Friday afternoon at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Md. One year after their miraculous run, which brought the title back to Blakefield for the first time in more than 60 years, Loyola had a chance to cement its legacy in history against the tenacious Sabres of Saints Peter and Paul of Easton (5-3-2, MIAA). The hour-and-a-half drive for the Loyola faithful proved to be worth it as this contest featured two of the most evenly-matched teams in the MIAA "B" Conference. In the two times they met during the regular season, the Sabres won the first game by only a goal, and the second contest ended in a 3–3 tie.
Right from the opening puck drop, Loyola was at a clear disadvantage. The Sabres' height and physicality were unmatched. However, Loyola’s swift skating and clever play resulted in a clash of styles. Another game script to note was this game would be the last ride for key seniors Joe Stafford, Logan Simmons, and Austin Foster. When asked how to combat the Sabres' aggressive style of play, the captains noted the importance of not being intimidated, as well as keeping premier skater, #7, Cole Lacaze in check. This would prove to be no easy task, requiring every ounce of effort the defense could possibly put forth.
Right from the opening puck drop, Loyola was at a clear disadvantage. The Sabres' height and physicality were unmatched. However, Loyola’s swift skating and clever play resulted in a clash of styles. Another game script to note was this game would be the last ride for key seniors Joe Stafford, Logan Simmons, and Austin Foster. When asked how to combat the Sabres' aggressive style of play, the captains noted the importance of not being intimidated, as well as keeping premier skater, #7, Cole Lacaze in check. This would prove to be no easy task, requiring every ounce of effort the defense could possibly put forth.
The first period went in favor of the Dons. Despite the Sabres' sheer strength, Loyola out-skated them and generated more scoring chances, jumping out to an 8–2 lead in the shot department. Finally, at the 13:03 mark of the first period, the Dons struck gold. Sophomore defensemen Derian Anderson swiftly skated the puck out of the Dons' zone, firing the biscuit across the rink onto the stick of winger Jackson DeAdder. Deadder took on a Sabres defender one-on-one and fired a wrist shot blocker-side on senior goaltender Jack McPeake. What ensued was a juicy rebound tucked home by centreman Luke Ankeny. From there, Loyola kept its foot on the gas pedal, and just before the period-ending horn sounded, Ankeny received a two-line pass from sophomore defensemen Derian Anderson. Ankeny hesitated, allowing traffic to build up in front of the net. He fired home a sizzling shot to light the lamp for the second time, sending Loyola to the first intermission with a 2–0 lead.
The Sabres rallied in the second period. Aubrey Perry of the Sabres skated into the zone and sniped a wrist shot past stud goaltender Austin Foster just over 5 minutes into the second period. In the blink of an eye, the scoreboard read 2–2 as the Sabres equalized 12 seconds after their first goal thanks to Cole Lacaze. From here on out, the goaltender matchup took over, as Austin Foster slammed the door shut on Cole Lacaze multiple times. Foster flashed the leather a total of four times, including a blistering slap shot from the point to keep the score level at two apiece. Loyola, determined to regain its lead, did so with 6:18 left in the second period. Joey Wolfgang fired a laser from the blue line, which made its way through multiple screens to be turned aside by McPeake. The rebound was not controlled and found its way to the stick of Joe Stafford, who made no mistake and buried a goal on the doorstep to give the Dons a 3–2 lead.
The Sabres rallied in the second period. Aubrey Perry of the Sabres skated into the zone and sniped a wrist shot past stud goaltender Austin Foster just over 5 minutes into the second period. In the blink of an eye, the scoreboard read 2–2 as the Sabres equalized 12 seconds after their first goal thanks to Cole Lacaze. From here on out, the goaltender matchup took over, as Austin Foster slammed the door shut on Cole Lacaze multiple times. Foster flashed the leather a total of four times, including a blistering slap shot from the point to keep the score level at two apiece. Loyola, determined to regain its lead, did so with 6:18 left in the second period. Joey Wolfgang fired a laser from the blue line, which made its way through multiple screens to be turned aside by McPeake. The rebound was not controlled and found its way to the stick of Joe Stafford, who made no mistake and buried a goal on the doorstep to give the Dons a 3–2 lead.
The game was worth every penny of the $8 entrance fee as both teams clashed in a back-and-forth matchup. Although Loyola seemed to have things go their way, the Sabres were resilient as senior all-star Cole Lacaze created ample opportunity around Foster’s crease. Leading 3–2 for nearly the entire third period, Loyola had several opportunities to put the game away, but clung to the one-goal advantage as the clock ticked down. The Dons weren't able to finish the work in regulation as senior Sam Weisman netted an unassisted goal with 1:38 left in the game to keep the Sabres alive and force overtime. It was a skillful wrist shot to the roof of the net, which Austin Foster was unable to track due to heavy traffic.
Overtime is where unlikely heroes are born, as was the case Friday afternoon. Loyola junior Trent Miller scored an unassisted goal with 2:24 remaining in the overtime period, vaulting Loyola Blakefield to a thrilling 4–3 victory and their second consecutive MIAA "B" Conference Ice Hockey Championship.
Relive the glory by watching the entire championship game below, courtesy of our Sports Broadcasting Club:
Overtime is where unlikely heroes are born, as was the case Friday afternoon. Loyola junior Trent Miller scored an unassisted goal with 2:24 remaining in the overtime period, vaulting Loyola Blakefield to a thrilling 4–3 victory and their second consecutive MIAA "B" Conference Ice Hockey Championship.
Relive the glory by watching the entire championship game below, courtesy of our Sports Broadcasting Club:
