Tied 1-1 with 1:57 left in the game, the tension was overwhelming. The OHS ice hockey team had called a timeout and needed to score to force a winner-take-all mini-game with CBC, the winner going to the Challenge Cup championship game. Since OHS had lost the night before to CBC 1-0, it was a score or go home situation.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, they could not get a clean shot on net and CBC was able to hang on and advance to the championship game once again. It was a tough way for the Tigers to end the season coming so close to the Challenge Cup for the second year in a row.
In game one of the semi-final series, the Tigers came out a bit passive giving up 16 shots and only taking three, but goaltender Zach Jost (12) stood on his head keeping the puck out of the net. Jost would continue his excellent performance only giving up two goals in two games to the high powered CBC offense. Half way through the second period, star forward Andrew Kovachi (12) had a breakaway on CBC goalie Joe O’Brien, but was not able to put it in. Minutes later CBC took a shot from the blue line that went over the shoulder of Jost. That was all CBC needed to secure game one.
Game two started out just like game one, CBC outshot OHS 14-3, the only difference being the Cadets scored and led 1-0 at the end of the first. OHS was able to respond in the second period on a 5-on-3 powerplay in which senior captain Luke Hasler ripped a shot past O’Brien. That was all the offense the Tigers could muster though and lost the series on the aggregate record of 0-1-1.
Even with the loss in the semi-finals to CBC, it was a very successful season for the Tigers. The season started in the Top Hat Tournament where the Tigers went 2-2, and were eliminated by Lindbergh in a thrilling 14 shooter shootout that strengthened the rivalry with the Flyers.
The regular season started with the Tigers going 4-2 and looking impressive both on the offensive and defensive ends of the ice. Starting Nov. 26, the Tigers embarked on what was the toughest week of the season. OHS played Lindbergh, SLUH and CBC (who would be the top three seeds in the Challenge Cup) in consecutive games. Through the three game stretch the Tigers went 0-2-1, tying Lindbergh when the Flyers scored with one second left to tie the game.
After an uncharacter loss to a less superior Westminster team on Dec. 10, the Tigers went streaking, starting with an unexpected 7-1 win over Chaminade. Over a month stretch, OHS went 9-0 outscoring their opponents 43-18. OHS returned key defenders Alex Rowland (12) and assistant captain Cam Dulle (11) during the streak.
OHS entered the Challenge Cup as the fifth seed. They easily advanced to the quarterfinals where they took on Chaminade. After being outplayed in the first game losing 4-1, the Tigers pulled off a miracle. Down 3-1 in the second game, OHS scored four unanswered goals to force the winner-take-all mini-game. Their the Tigers won 1-0 propelling them to the finals against CBC.
Senior Andrew Kovacich led the team in goals scored with 22, followed closely by junior Steve Farina with 20. Kovacich and Zach Mitchell (11) led the team with 23 assists. Jost had an impressive season with a .919 save percentage. Unfortunately for the seniors, the season ended one game too soon.
