A friendly match between Loyola Academy Gold and Evanston varsity hockey took place at 8pm in Robert Crown ice arena. Although this game was close, it was still the same story, with Loyola winning 2-1.
For the past couple of years these two teams have played a tune-up game at each other’s rink. Both of these programs have been successful in their own leagues recently. But Loyola has had the edge over Evanston the couple times they have played.
Senior goaltender Declan Smith had gotten the start in net and looked to have a strong start to his season after his season last year ended prematurely due to a knee injury. Loyola put themselves in a tough position with two first period penalties. Evanston out shot Loyola in the period, but Smith was able to back up the Ramblers and keep the game 0-0.
The second period showed a little more discipline out of the Ramblers with no penalties, but they didn’t find the net. They came close when a puck was fired on net from the blue line and went in, but unfortunately the play was offside and the goal did not count.
The third period is when Loyola picked it up. Senior Gavin Orzy buried a back door pass to put the Ramblers up 1-0. Later in the period Christopher Gall scored on a pass to the slot, extending the lead to 2.
The game was not over yet, as Evanston looked to make a push. They did get one, making it 2-1, but that was not enough. The Ramblers had won and secured the series over Evanston.
Loyola winger Gio Anemone said, “We played well but there are definitely some things we needed to clean up. Most importantly we got the win and we will learn from some of our mistakes.”.
Loyola fan Declan Martin said, “It’s very exciting. It’s also cool seeing a lot of my friends on the team this year. I wish the best for them.”
Loyola Gold has a 2-0 start that they look to build on with an upcoming trip to Canada.
