To say OHS’s game against Kirkwood was physical would be an understatement. It was a battle that the Tigers won 4-2.

Kirkwood put the pressure on early in the first period, using their size and physicality to score the first goal.

Then late in the first, defenseman Jake Faulker (11) scored to tie the game 1-1. Let it be known that this was Faulkner’s first taste of any playoff hockey for OHS.

“I was pumped to get out on the ice, I felt like I was ready, and I wanted to make something happen for the team,” Faulkner said.

As for his thoughts on the rest of the playoffs, he seems very optimistic.

“I think we have some great energy going, if we keep the puck moving, and keep up the hard work, I think we’ll go far,” Faulkner said.

The teams continued to battle throughout the second period, and Dakota Schutz (12) scored on a powerplay after the Kirkwood goalie took a cheap shot on Charlie Freshman (11) to make it 2-1 OHS

As the second seemed to come to a close with the Tigers leading, Kirkwood scored late to once again tie the score at 2-2.

OHS then came out hot in the third and took the lead off of a goal by Ryan Lange (12) making it 3-2 OHS.

The Tigers then held the lead throughout the third, and wrapped up the win with an empty net goal scored by Lance French (12), ending the game.

OHS will continue their playoff schedule on Saturday (Feb. 1) against Chaminade at Queeny Park Ice Rink at 9:30pm.