DeMatha Varsity II hockey has been off to a solid start this year, with a winning record of 2-1 through their first three games. The Stags offense has been almost unstoppable, averaging three goals per game and putting up a large volume of shots on net.
They started out the season with a convincing win over Calvert Hall, with stellar goaltending by senior Byron Guzman leading the way to a 2-1 victory. “I felt like my performance was adequate,” Guzman said. Even with the good defensive game, he said he “felt like I could’ve done a better job for my team.”
Next, the Stags beat Saints Peter & Paul in a thrilling shootout at home. Senior Jonny Zadravec put the puck in the back of the net twice, and freshman Connor Stesney won the game in shootouts with a textbook shot to the top right corner of the goal. Freshman goalie Parker Coriell had many bright moments in this game, including an incredible diving save to keep the game alive during the shootout round.
This week, the Stags suffered their first loss in a high-powered offensive game against Paul VI, 6-4. DeMatha’s goals came from Zadravec, Carlos Gough, Campbell Hirabayashi and Javier Love. Junior Will Dougherty was in the middle of the action, with assists on three of the four goals. However, their valiant effort fell short and PVI came out on top. Senior right-wing Brigham Pletsch said that “we’re going to work way harder and play more connected and physical” in the upcoming games.
DeMatha is back in action against Mount St. Joseph next Monday at the Gardens Ice House, in search of their third win of the season.
