The Oakville hockey team looks promising at the start of their season, going 2-1 in the opening round of the preseason Top Hat tournament, held each year at the Webster Groves Ice Rink.

The Tigers started off the season with a big 2-1 win over rival Vianney (Oct. 1) with goals coming from Dakota Schutz (12) and Steve Farina (12).

“It felt great to score a goal and it definitely amplified the hype of the game” Schutz said.

The team then faced off against the defending state champions, Saint Louis University High School (Oct. 10). It was a well fought game that came down to the wire with SLUH scoring on an empty net to win the game 5-3.

The team definitely showed that they can compete with the best and showed a lot of teams that beating Oakville will not be an easy feat this year.

“The team played well but we made a few mistakes, if we clean everything up and play to our full potential we should have a successful season “ senior goaltender Blake Chapman said.

After the loss, the Tigers really had to get a win against Eureka (Oct. 15) to keep their Top Hat hopes alive. Ryan Mitchell (10), Jake Faulkner (10), Schutz and Cameron Dulle (12) scored to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead before Farina scored in the third period to seal the 5-3 victory.

“I’m excited for the experience and I really want to win it this year because its my senior year” senior forward Steve Farina said.

With the win the Tigers advanced to the quarterfinal round on thursday (Oct. 24) where they will face off with rival Lindbergh . Either way the team will have their hands full in their upcoming game.

“If we play to our full potential from here on out we should do well” senior captain Cameron Dulle said.