Athens Steals the Spotlight from Hilliard Senior Night - Athens Youth Hockey Association | Athens Ohio | Bird Arena

The Varsity ‘Cats had a busy travel weekend playing in Columbus and Dayton. The Bobcats started the weekend on Friday with a much anticipated game facing off against Hilliard Wildcats at the Dispatch Ice Haus. Hilliard and Athens are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in the Greater Columbus High School Club Hockey League. The game remained scoreless until period two, Hilliard scored back to back goals. Kyle Dean’s slapshot from the blue line found the net a few minutes later assisted by Kevin Deal bringing the score 2-1. Despite their 23 shots on goal, the ‘Cats weren’t able to capitalize and lost the game.

Saturday’s action shifted to the Buckeye Travel Hockey League at a very cold Hara Arena against Dayton Bluehawks. Athens showed up with their brick-walled defensemen and came out on top with 2 victories and 2 shutouts! The Bobcats won the first game 4-0 with goals from Jacob Schriner, Ryan Donnelly and Kyle Dean with two and Andrew Newton, Alex Gates, Henry Smith and Kevin Deal assisted. Goalie, Jake Bloomfield, saved 17 shots for his 4th shutout this season. Game 2 against the Bluehawks was a closer contest with Athens’ lone goal scored by Will Angelos, assisted by Kyle Dean. Goalie, Alex Monterosso, saved all 15 shots for his 3rd shutout of the season.
 
Athens traveled back to the Ice Haus for game two of the weekend against Hilliard on Sunday. Hilliard had a large home crowd as they were celebrating Senior night and expecting another victory over the Bobcats. Emotions ran high and penalties accumulated as both teams fought hard to maintain possession of the puck. Athens celebrated after Kevin Deal’s wrist shot hit the net above the goalie’s shoulder with sniper-like accuracy in period two of the game putting the ‘Cats in the lead. Three minutes later, Hilliard scored on a power play to tie the game 1-1 and end the period.

You could feel the intensity in the air as the last period began with both teams fighting hard to win the game. Hilliard received an upsportsmanlike conduct penalty shortly after play started giving Athens an opportunity to score on the power play….and score they did! The ‘Cats cycled the puck and Will Angelos’ one-timer from Kevin Deal was in the net less than a minute into the play. The Athens defense managed to hold the Wildcats off to win the game 2-1. The game, a true nail-biter, gives the Bobcats the confidence they need these next few weeks to chase the Wildcats for the points lead in GCHSCHL standings.

The ‘Cats look forward to keeping the momentum alive as they head back out on the road next weekend for one game against PRPC Prowlers and two games against Northern Kentucky Norsemen.