Knights Edge Steelhawks in Tight Battle to Round Out 2024 High School Hockey Action
The John Rhodes Centre hosted a thrilling Sault Ste. Marie High School Hockey League contest on Thursday, December 19th, as the third-place St. Mary’s Knights faced off against the fourth-place Superior Heights Steelhawks. In a tightly contested matchup, the Knights emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, bouncing back from their December 8th loss to the Steelhawks.
First Period: Defensive Stalemate
The opening period saw both teams playing cautious, disciplined hockey, with neither side able to break through. Strong defensive efforts and sharp goaltending from Danil Lipenski of the Steelhawks and Grant Mathewson of the Knights kept the score locked at 0-0.
Second Period: Teams Trade Goals
The game opened up in the second period as both teams found the back of the net. Chase Ceresuolo struck first for the Steelhawks, scoring his second goal of the season to give Superior Heights a brief lead. However, the Knights responded quickly when Darion Pucci netted his fifth goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the final period.
Third Period: Knights Take the Lead
With the game hanging in the balance, St. Mary’s Owen Brown delivered the decisive goal in the third period, putting the Knights ahead 2-1. Brown’s game-winner with his third of the season came off a well-executed play, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Steelhawks. St Mary’s goaltender Grant Mathewson was solid in net, earning the win with several clutch saves to preserve the Knights’ narrow lead. Superior Heights Steelhawks netminder Danil Lipenski put in a strong performance, keeping the Steelhawks within striking distance despite the loss.
With the victory, the St. Mary’s Knights strengthened their hold on third place in the standings, building momentum as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Steelhawks will look to regroup and aim for a stronger performance in their next outing. This close contest highlighted the competitiveness of the league and the determination of both teams.
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