OHS took the ice on Jan. 26 at Shaw Park for the annual Mid States Winter Classic. The Tigers defeated the Lindbergh Flyers 4-2.

In the fourth meeting between these two teams, the Tigers came out firing scoring the first two goals of the game. Both goals came thanks to Brendan Nichting (12), who had four points total in the game. Captain Troy Korte (12) and Ryan Lange (11) scored the other two goals for OHS.

The playing conditions were not the best at the outdoor rink, but the Tigers dealt with them and played a consistent game. With the 2:30 pm puck drop, the sun glared hard off the ice making it hard to see for the goalies especially. With the glare, many players wore eye black to try to reduce the effect. As well, even with temperatures just below freezing, the ice was not in the best condition and had many puddles behind the net.

Even with the exhibition game, and playing in what was a friendly setting, the dislike the two teams have for each other was still apparent. Both teams took many penalties and many shoving matches took place after the play.

The Tigers get ready for pool play of the Challenge Cup. The Tigers face Lafayette on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Queeny Park at 6:30 pm to start the playoffs. The Tigers will also face Sekman and Chaminade in the pool play. Though the Tigers were snubbed a bit by the seeding committee, their focus is advancing into the eight-team semi final and beyond.