With high-school hockey playoffs set to commence next week, it's crunch time in both divisions of SDSSAA boys play. The St Charles College Cardinals and Lo-Ellen Park Knights appear to be on a collision course that could offer a sequel to one of the most memorable Division I finals in league history last year. Both teams recorded impressive victories Monday night at Carmichael Arena, establishing a ten-point cushion over the third-place Confederation Chargers.
In Division I action at Carmichael Arena, the Cardinals improved to a flawless 14-0-0 record in the opening encounter. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead and cruised to a 6-0 whitewash of the St Benedict Bears (6-6-2). Daniel Crossthwaite led the charge for St Charles by scoring three times, while Keynan Kydd, Hayden Myre, and Carter Danyluk each contributed a solo tally. The shutout was capped off by Rowan McCann in goal.
Meanwhile, the nightcap showcased a rapid start for the favorites. The Lo-Ellen Park Knights (13-2-0) were up 3-0 by the end of the first period, then doubled the score to 4-2 against the Horizon Aigles (6-4-3), comfortably securing second place. Corey Lacroix ignited the Knights' offense with a pair of goals, supported by individual markers from Ethan Burton and Riley Graffi. Karsen Deschenes and Nolan Schwiewek answered for Horizon, though their efforts fell short.
Despite a previous dominant 8-2 victory over Horizon at the end of November, Lo-Ellen struggled to widen the gap this time around. "It's mainly about staying disciplined and staying out of the box," noted Ty Campeau, a 17-year-old defenceman in his second year with the team. "As you can see tonight, we probably had about 30 penalty minutes." The grade 12 senior, who has also competed at the "AAA" and "AA" levels with the Copper Cliff Reds, added, "If we stay disciplined, I think we have a pretty good chance of taking it this year." Reflecting on a heartbreaking shootout loss last February, Campeau recalled, "I've never played in anything like that. It was a great series and a lot of fun. The only regret is that it was decided in a shootout. That takes away from the team aspect of hockey, I think. But other than that, it was so much fun."
In Division II, the action was just as dramatic. A crucial goal by Ryder Coe with under four minutes remaining pulled the Lockerby Vikings (4-8-1) to within two points of the Bishop Carter Gators (5-7-1). The Lively Hawks squeezed in between the two at 3-6-4 (10 points), as all Division II teams head into the second half-season with full round robin records in tow. Evan Hulisz delivered a standout two-goal performance to lead the Vikes, with Elliot Lees and Masa Innis adding to the scoreline. The Gators saw their offense spearheaded by Lucas Lessard, Connor Therrien, Isaac Jeanveau, and Jack Landry.
Looking ahead, the action-packed week continues with games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a Saturday night double-header at the George Armstrong Community Centre & Arena to wrap up regular season play.