On March 1st, 2024, at 8:15 pm at McCrory Countryside Arena, the St Charles Cards, under the leadership of head coach Robert Zanatta, and assitant coaches Sean Pitfield, Darren Michelutti, Ryan Liinamaa, and Paul Michaud secured their 10th championship in 15 years.
Making it an Historic 6th consecutive Championship.
This victory marked a historic moment in the teams history as they pull off a reverse sweep, coming back from a 0-2 deficit in the series to win three consecutive games.
Jacob Hayes, senior, and the league's top scorer with 32 goals and 21 assists reflected on the challenges of the game. "The crowd was the biggest I have ever seen before, lots of pressure," he recalled. "Started off slow (in the series) but we picked it up."
The game began with St Charles Cards dominating the first period with 10 shots and 2 goals, including Blake Cole's unassisted goal with 3 minutes remaining and Tyler Thibodeau's unassisted goal with 52 seconds on the clock. However, Loellen quickly responded with 8 shots and 1 goal by Noland Kuhlberg, assisted by Ethan Mourre.
Penalties came early with Hayden Myre from St Charles and Massi Grossi from Loellen both receiving penalties for cross-checking, and Carter Bubbalo from Loellen for Hooking.
The second period saw Hayden Myre from St Charles again in the penalty box for Head Contact, and Ty Campeau from Loellen received a penalty for tripping.
while Jayden Ceming scored for Loellen with an assist by Carter Bubbalo, evening the score.
In the final period, both teams were held scoreless despite St Charles' 9 shots and Loellens' 7.
The game went into a shootout, where Jacob Hayes was the only one to put a puck in the net. St Charles' Tyler Thibodeau couldn't convert, while the goalie Declan McNamara who shined, saving shots from Sam Levecque, Matti Joupi, and Jake Harry, securing the win for St Charles.
In interviews after the game, players shared their thoughts on the victory and the season.
"I'm just happy I got to help the team," replied Tyler Thibodeau (grade 13), who was one of the top scorers with 25 goals and 19 assists, trailing only behind Jacob Hayes.
Declan McNamara (Grade 11), the goalie who never conceded a shootout goal this season, discussed his composure during the crucial moments. "All season practicing shootouts, I love shootouts, and I’m happy it went to a shootout," he remarked.
Captain Rocco Renaud (Grade 13), who had 18 goals and 19 assists in the season, shared his thoughts on the team's mentality during the series turnaround. "Just told the boys to stay calm, especially after the win in game 3. We play better that way," he said. "I'm proud of the team, we all played well."
With this championship victory, the St Charles Cards solidifiy their legacy as a dominant force in the league, with sights set on NOSSA.