(OP Hockey Round-Up [12/10-12/17])

The hockey team played four games this week which included some tough losses but they finally captured the first varsity win in program history against Newark East-Side on Wednesday. The team first traveled to Warinanco Park on December 10th to take on the Westfield Blue Devils. The rams fought very hard and took a very good Westfield team deep into the third Period before losing 10-0 on mercy rule. Nevertheless, there were still great performances from Brian McGovern, who recorded 49 saves on the night, Jake Gertz, who displayed great defense and puck control, and Aiden Wright, who showed great physical play and hockey IQ. The game was most certainly a learning experience for the team and was great for the program moving forward.

The rams then faced Dayton for back-to-back games on that Friday and Sunday. The team lost 4-2 both games but showed tremendous improvement from the beginning of the season. In both match-ups, Oratory led after the first period but Dayton found their offense and took the games from Oratory in the third. Despite losing both games, Brian McGovern saved 45 shots in total, while goals were scored by co-captain Mike Middlebrook (x2), Mike Calandrillo, and Nick Yoder. These games against Dayton proved that the boys could play with any team in their division and showed that Oratory is not team to look over on the schedule.

On Wednesday, December 17, absolute pandemonium broke out at the Prudential Center as the rams trounced Newark East-Side 7-2. This game was also one for the archives because it was the program’s first varsity win ever. After the first period, the game was scoreless and tension began to set in. Then in the second period, Mike Calandrillo was illegally checked into the boards and East-Side was given a 5 minute major for boarding, which was non-releasable as usual. The team’s offense absolutely exploded after that, scoring five straight goals in the period to pull away from the Red Raiders. The seven goals were scored by Aiden Wright, Jack Bizub (x2), Jake Gertz (x2), and Nick Yoder (x2). Brian McGovern also recorded 25 saves on the day. The win was a magical moment not only for the team itself, but for the entire Oratory Prep Community as more support is shown for the program. The team is currently 1-6 on the season but a massive turnaround should be expected after this monumental win.

OP Puck has three games coming up against Mount Olive on 12/20, SUMMIT on 12/23, and JOHNSON on 12/30. Please come out to Support the team and GO RAMS!

THREE STARS FOR THE WEEK:

First Star: Brian McGovern- Stood on his head for his teammates and made some awesome saves in each game. Had 119 saves in the four games; also one of the league leaders in saves in the UCIHL.

Second Star(s): Jake Gertz/Mike Middlebrook– Both captains had two goals each in the four games (total) and displayed true leadership on the ice.

Third Start: Aiden Wright – The freshman forward has been an imperative addition to the team with four points in the four games (1G, 3A). Also displayed great physical presence along the boards.

*BOLD and CAPS represents UCIHL game.

*Bold and Underline represents UCIHL division game.