Landon Hockey 7 Ridley 4—2017 IceWorks Champions

In a déjà vu all over again (Yogi Berra) situation, the Bears played the Raiders for the second time in a single IceWorks tournament schedule. In 2016, Landon beat Ridley in the early rounds; 2017 repeat with a 10-1 score. Last year the two teams met in a semifinal with the rough Raiders winning in overtime. Not so in 2017; even though two senior forwards and one junior defenseman were unable to play, the Bears prevailed 7-4. Additionally, the Championship Trophy was earned by the returning roster (minus 4 seniors plus 4 freshman).

Following its recent pattern, the Landon team built and early lead. The 1^st goal was at 0:44 in the period; forechecking resulted in a turnover and a pass from Jake Davidson to Joey Graham whose shot beat the Raiders’ goalie @12:16. The next shift on the ice saw a Tommy Kenary pass to Spencer Davis converted into another tally @ 11:47. The JRJ line returned with more success; this time Joey to Ryan to Jake was the combination for goal #3 @9:53.

The Raiders responded with goals at 7:54 and a PP score [the 1^st allowed by the Bears in PA] at 1:42.

The shot margin was unlike the previous three games: Bears 10 SOGs; Max Weinstein 9 saves.

The 2^nd 13:00 was Bear domination. Twenty eight seconds after the whistle blew, Owen Concannon fed Tommy who got the puck to Spencer for goal #4 @12:32. KyleRadimer moved the puck to Will Jarrett who hit the back of the net @11:26.

While the Home team (white jerseys) added to the scoreboard, the Raiders tested Ethan with 10 SOGs while the two Bears goals were registered on only 6 shots.

The third consecutive Landon goal was noted @11:44 of the last period with a shot from the point by Henry Chiperfield and Owen getting the rebound over the goal line.

The metal of the soon-to-be champions and the nerves of a few fans were tested when the Raiders goaled at 8:21(breakaway) and at 7:13.

The icing on the cake was goal #7 scored by Ryan on an assist by Joey @ 1:56.

Ethan saved 6 shots (game total 21) while the Bear O added 6 SOGS (26).

BEARS 7 RAIDERS 4

Tournament MVP Ryan Giles

The quality of opponents this year was not up to the past talent here. Games against not well matched teams frequently result in play by the Bears which are fun, may be showy, but are not suitable habits against future tougher competition—holding the puck when passing would be  a better play; behind-the-back passes, which when successful get cheers, but against a savvy opponent = breakaway; quick shots which if hit the net, okay, but frequently result in turnovers. Not so at the IceWorks this year. Good coaching and strong team leadership did not allow such bad plays to become part of the Bears’ routine.

The team travels North again on Wednesday January 3 to play the Salesianum Sallies 5-9 including win over Calvert Hall, losses to DeMatha, Father Judge, Holy Ghost and Ridley.