Head Coach: Evan Poulakidas email JV Coach: Bob Veller email

February 24, 2010
Record: 42-18-6-1

Fenwick completed a two game sweep of the Kennedy Cup semi-final series against Saint Viator with a 4-2 win in Hoffman Estates Thursday.

The Lions surrendered a 1st period goal, when a failed attempt to clear the puck was stolen at the Lions blue line. Fenwick forward Adam Verbeke skated in and beat goalie Dante Koeppen low to his left side for the score. Verbeke would score again with less then 2 minutes to go in the 1st period when he found a lose puck just outside the Lions net and put it in to give Fenwick a 2-0 lead.

The two teams would play a scoreless 2nd period.

The Lions were whistled for 11 minor penalties which stalled their ability to generate consistent offense all night.

The Lions would get on the board early in the 3rd period when defenseman Ryan Santorsola's wrist shot from the point got through, it was a power play goal.

Fenwick responded with a power play goal of their own when forward Ryan Fitzgerald cut through the middle of the Lions box and one timed a shot that went in to left side of Koeppen.

With 4:32 to go in the game, Viator Ricky Gattone scored one of the more impressive goals of the year.  Gattone on the penalty killing unit forced the puck up the ice followed it into the Fenwick's zone, stole the puck behind the net and his wrap around try was good to make it a one goal game 3-2.

The Lions killed off the remaining time on that penalty and went on the attack. With 3:38 to play Dominic Zanfardino had the puck in the high slot and released a wrist shot that beat Fenwick goalie Karl Langhans but the puck rang off the left post.

With 2:37 to play the Lions were whistled for a tripping  penalty. In an attempt to tie the game the Lions pulled their goalie to skate 5 against 5 but Fitzgerald of Fenwick found a lose puck and skated it in and finished the scoring with 47 seconds left in the game.

The Lions will graduate Forewards Brian Keefe, John Scully, Pat Windle, Max Czarnecki, Danny Sheehan, Dominic Zanfardino Defenseman Michael Obenauf, John DiVito and Goalie Dante Koeppen.

Quote from the Coach: "We played a solid game, no doubt the amount of penalties we took hurt us. Fenwick is a good team and the finals with Rita should be a classic match up. I will be sorry to see our seniors leave, they have elevated this program and have taken it to another level. This season is something our underclassmen need to build on."

February 24, 2010
Record: 42-17-6-1

Saint Viator was eliminated from State Championship consideration as they were beaten by Saint Charles North 7-4 in their play in game to the Sweet 16 Tuesday night in Hoffman Estates.

The Lions took the lead 1-0 and then 2-1 on goals in 1st period by Jeremy Linzing and Dominic Zanfardino.

St. Charles would tie the game just 23 seconds into the 2nd period with their second short handed goal of the game. The turning point of the game seem to  happen at 4:47 mark when Saint Charles would score their 3rd goal and then 24 seconds later would score again to go up 4-2. Rickey Gattone would get the Lions again within one on a power play goal at the 6:16 mark.
But as the script would have it, St. Charles would answer again with another goal just 46 seconds later to go into the intermission leading 5-3.

Zanfardino would give the Lions and their faithful some life as with 6 minutes left in the game as he would score to make it 5-4. St. Charles would score once again 1:29 later to regain a two goal lead.

St. Charles would finish the scoring with an open net goal as Viator pulled their goalie in favor of the extra attacker.

Quote from the Coach: "It is a very painful loss for all of us in that locker room, but as a team we need to find the strength and courage to move past this and get ready for Fenwick"

February 20, 2010
Kennedy Cup Record Semi Finals- 0-1

Overall Record: 42-16-6-1

The Lions traveled to Oak Park and opened the semi-finals of the Kennedy Cup with a 4-0 loss to Fenwick.

There was no scoring in the first period in large part to the goaltending of Lions Dante Koeppen who made 19 saves in the period.

Matt Crook of Fenwick would score 3 times in the 2nd period. The first and second of his goals were mirror images of each other as Crook found a rebound 20 feet out from the Lions net and put back the shot for the goals.

With 13 seconds remaining in the 2nd period Crook stole the puck from a Lions defenseman just inside the right circle and beat Lions  Koeppen for his 3rd goal.

Dan Dory of Fenwick would get the 4th and final goal of the game on a power play 8 minutes into the 3rd period as he broke in alone and lifted a back hand shot over Koeppen.

The Lions generated 30 shots for the game but had few secondary chances or sustained offense.

The Friars finished their checks all night and out hit Saint Viator by a large margin. Game 2 is Thursday at Hoffman Estates Ice Rink 7 pm face-off.

Quote from the Coach: “Their physical play took us out of a number of our offensive situation and their hard fore-check created chances for them.”

February 17, 2010
Saint Viator Defeats Mount Carmel

Record: Overall: 42-15-6-1, CCHL Playoffs 2-0

Saint Viator defeated Mount Carmel by the score of 6-2 Tuesday night to win the best of 3 quarter final series 2 games to none. The win moves the Lions to the semi-finals of the Kennedy Cup where they will face Fenwick.

The Lions win featured a balanced scoring attack with 6 different players scoring goals. In the 1st period Saint Viator would score 3 times. Jeremy Linzing would score the first Viator goal as Pat Windle dug the puck out of the right corner and fed Linzing for the score. An intense flurry of shots enabled Lions defenseman Anthony Skinner to find a lose puck coming to him at the left point where he made no mistake and pounded a shot past Carmel goalie Brad Bogus for the second goal. Pat Windle would scored on a power play to close the scoring in the period with the Lions up 3-0.

In the 2nd period Mount Carmel generated some good offense chances and Lions goalie Robert Schmidt was tested with 13 shots saving all but 1 as Carmel would score the only goal of the period making it 3-1 in favor of Lions.

Dominic Zanfardino recharged the Lions early in the 3rd period with an end to end rush that resulted in the 4th goal. Ricky Gattone from a nice pass from Zanfardino would make it 5-2 with less then 5 minutes to play. Michael Santorsola finished the scoring with an open net goal.

Saint Viator had 57 shots for the game and Mount Carmel had 22.

It is the second year in a row that the Lions will face Fenwick in the semi finals. Last year the series went all 3 games, with the Friars prevailing in game 3. Times and dates for the showdown is still to be determined.

February 16, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs New Trier Blue

Overall Record: 41-15-6-1
CCHL Playoff 1-0, Metro North Playoff 2-3.

In the final game of the round robin Metro North Playoffs, Saint Viator defeated New Trier Blue by the score of 2-0.

Christian DiVito scored both of the Lions goals. One in the 1st period on a power play at the 8 minute mark and then in the 2nd period with 3 minutes remaining as he followed up a nice rush by linemates Dominic Zanfardino and Ricky Gattone.

The 3rd period was scoreless. Dante Koeppen was in goal and recorded the shut out.

The Lions will play game 2 against Mount Carmel Tuesday night at Homewood Flossmoor at 7:40. The Lions lead the best of 3 series 1-0.

Quote from the Coach: "Gatton, DiVito and Zanfardino were terrific. It was also nice to see us shut a team out, good defense and good goaltending."

February 12, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Glenbrook North

Overall Record: 40-15-6-1, CCHL Playoff 1-0, Metro North Playoff 1-3

Glenbrook North defeated Saint Viator in Metro League Playoffs Wednesday by the score of 6-3. It was a close game heading into the 3rd period, but North struck for 4 goals in the 3rd to win going away. The loss ended any hopes for the Lions of moving past the initial playoff round of the Scholastic Cup.

The Lions did rebound from Wednesday's loss with a win against Mount Carmel Thursday in the best of 3 CCHL playoff series 4-2. Goalie Robert Schmidt kept the  Lions alive in the 1st period by stopping 18 Mount Carmel shots.
The 1st period was scoreless.

In the 2nd period Saint Viator started to get their legs under them and Dominic Zanfardino's centering pass to the left side of the Caravan's net found a streaking Ricky Gattone who tapped in the pass for the Lions 1st Goal.

Max Czarnecki followed Gattone's goal with a 35 foot writs shot that made it's way in and the Lions had a 2-0 lead. John Scully moments later drove the Caravan's net and found the upper right hand corner to make it 3-0. Mount Carmel would get one goal back as an errant pass was stolen at the Lions blue line and Carmel's Matt Lungren finally got one past Schmidt to end the period.

Ricky Gattone on another nice feed from Zanfardino would score early in the 3rd period to regain the 3 goal lead. Mount Carmel with their goalie pulled an extra attacker would score their second goal of the game with only 27 seconds remaining. The Lions lead the best of 3 series 1-0. The win against Carmel marked the 40th victory of the season for the Lions.

Tuesday night is game 2 at Homewood Flossmoor a 7:40 puck drop.

Quote from Coach: "The showing in the Metro North Playoffs are a disappointment we expected more of ourselves. We defended much better against Carmel which gave us a chance to win."

February 8, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Mount Carmel

Record: 39-14-6-1, CCHL 15-7-1-1, Metro North Playoffs 1-2

In the final regular season CCHL game the Lions were defeated by Mount Carmel 3-2 in overtime. The game featured a number of the JV players who were given a chance to play at the Varsity level.

Sophomore Keagan Thornton scored the first goal of the game on a goal mouth scramble to put the Lions up 1-0. Kevin Young would add a second goal on a rebound in the 2nd period.

Mount Carmel would score with 5 minutes left in the 2nd period to cut the lead to 2-1. The Lions surrendered the tying goal with 9 minutes to play in the 3rd while short handed.

The two teams would play a 5 minute 4 on 4 overtime. On the first shift of the extra period Mount Carmel stole the puck at the Lions blue line. A number of scoring chances took place, the puck found it's way to a Caravan defenseman standing 15 feet away who finished the flurry by scoring.

The two teams will see each other in the first round of the best of 3 playoff series starting this Thursday night in Hoffman Estates at 7 P.M.

Quote from the Coach: "Our young kids played great, to bad we didn't hold on for the win."

February 8, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Warren (Metro North Playoffs)

Record: 39-14-6, CCHL 15-7-1, Metro North Playoff 1-2

The Lions defeated Warren in a Metro North Playoff Saturday night.  Danny Sheehan scored on a  break away goal to give the Lions a 1-0 in the 1st period. Lions, Austin Spahr released a shot from the right point and John Scully tipped the puck past Warren goalie Dan O'Leary to make the score 2-0 in the 2nd period.

Warren, despite being heavily outshot, would not go away and with 7 minutes to play in the 2nd would score a power play goal to cut the lead in half, 2-1.

The Lions opened the 3rd period with a power play goal by Michael Obenauf to regain the two goal lead. Once again, Warren would be opportunistic and with 10 minutes to play Alex Lindenman would score for the Blue Devils to make the score 3-2.

The Blue Devils pulled their goalie in the last minute for the extra attacker but never got off a good shot and the Lions held on for the win.

Shots for the game were 43-15 in favor of Saint Viator.

Quote from the Coach: "Give their goalie credit for keeping the game close."

February 4, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Lake Forest

38-14-6, CCHL 15-7-1, Metro North Playoff 0-2

Saint Viator dropped their second Metro North playoff game to Lake Forest by the score of 5-3.  Lake Forest opened the scoring in the 1st period on a rebound goal.  Ricky Gattone would tie the game early in the 1st period.   The Lions would jump ahead on a power play goal from Pat Windle with 5 minutes to go in the 1st period but Lake Forest would answer that goal 23 seconds later.

The 2nd period produced 1 goal by Lake Forest off a Viator give away from behind the net. Scout, Brad Bartuch stole the puck and found AlL State Parker Tuefel in front of the Lion net who buried his shot to give Lake Forest a 3-2 lead heading into the 3rd period.

Lion Dominic Zanfardino tied the game with 10 minutes to play as his wrist shot went through the legs of Scouts goalie Mark Klein.

The Scouts were given a power play with less then 2 minutes to play and they made the Lions paid as Tuefel would score his second goal on a goal mouth scramble. Lake Forest would add an empty netter for the final to be 5-3.

The Lions faced St. Rita in a CCHL game Thursday and defeated the Mustangs 4-3 in thrilling fashion. Rita jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Ricky Gattone was awarded a penalty shot in the 2nd period and made good on it to make the score 2-1.  Rita would get the next goal on 2 on 1 play and regain a two goal lead.

The Lions would close out the 2nd period on a power play and Gattone would find Christian DiVito in a good position in front of the Rita net and he would score from 7 feet out. The Lions would go into the 3rd period down 3-2.

Gattone would tie the game 7:28 mark as he found a lose puck outside the crease area and jammed it home.  With less then a minute to play Viator on a power play surrendered a break away chance but Dante Koeppen came out and challenged the Mustang player and made a leg save to give the Lions a chance. In the closing seconds, Lions Michael Santorsola found Brian Keefe streaking down the left side, Keefe beat one defenseman and then deeked the goalie once he cut across the crease and found the back of the net with 6 seconds remaining to give the Lions a win. The game may be heard on sportstownchicago.com.

Quote from the Coach: "We made to many defensive mistakes against Lake Forest and didn't capitalize on some of our chances. The St. Rita game was a classic, high energy and tempo from both teams, it was a win we needed."

February 1, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Providence, Stevenson

Results: Loss, Loss.
Overall record: 37-13-6, CCHL 14-7-1, Metro North Playoffs 0-1.

Over the weekend the Lions dropped 2 games. Providence defeated Saint Viator 8-5 in a CCHL game and Stevenson in the first round of Metro Playoffs had a comeback win 7-4.

Despite a hat trick from Christian DiVito the Lions were on the short end of a 8-5 score. The game was tied going into the 2nd period when Providence struck for 2 goals. The 3rd period featured a total of 7 goals. 4 by Providence and 3 by Saint Viator to bring the final to 8-5.

The first round of Metro North Playoffs opened with Saint Viator jumping out to a quick 4-1 lead on goals by John Scully, Christian DiVito, Ricky Gattone and Jack Gaffney.

Seemingly in control with 4 minutes left in the second, Stevenson would score 1 of their 6 unanswered goals, to make the score 4-2. With a 1 minute left in the period Stevenson would win a face off and Jack Mannon's shot from the blue line found it's mark to make the score 4-3.

The 3rd period opened with a Stevenson power play and the Patriots Greg Rachke would tie the score at 4. Rachke would return again just minutes later to give the Patriots the lead at 5-4. The Patriots would score 2 more goals in the 3rd, one on an open net to complete the scoring.

Quote from the Coach: "We have to, as a team, stop the goals against, you win from the defensive zone out."

January 28, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Marist Redhawks

Result: Loss
Record: 36-11-9, Metro North 13-3-6, CCHL 13-6-1

Marist would score 4 goals in under 2 minutes at the end of the 2nd period and would go on to defeat the Lions fairly handily 7-2 in a CCHL game Thursday night.

The first period was scoreless and Lions goalie Robert Schmidt had a lot to do with that making 17 saves. Marist would open up the scoring in the 2nd period with a goal at the 9:21 mark on a wrist shot from Redhawk Leo Dignan that beat Schmidt high to his left.

With 2:27 to play in the 2nd period the Lions were on a powerplay when the puck was iced, some confusion behind the Lions net found the puck on Redhawk James Roll stick in front of the Lions net and he buried his shot to make the score 2-0. Sean O"Loughlin would then make it 3-0 just 59 seconds later.
Jeremy Ballard would add to the scoring party with 2 goals in 27 seconds closing out the period with Marist up 5-0.

John Scully and Kevin Young would each score for the Lions but Marist would also net 2 goals making the final 7-2.

Quote from the Coach: "The shorthanded goal that we gave up seemed to just flatten us out and we could never regain control, the game got away in a hurry, you just have to forget about it and go on to the next one."

January 28, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Glenbrook South Titans
Result Win

Record: 36-10-9  Metro North 13-3-6, CCHL 13-5-1

The Lions ended their regular Metro North schedule with a 5-3 win over Glenbrook South.

South took the lead early but Christian DiVito sparked the Lions comeback with an unassisted goal with a minute to go in the 1st period.  DiVito snapped off a 30 foot wrist shot after some hard work and stealing the puck in the South zone, he moved to his right and shot back to his left catching the inside post and tying the game.

The Lions dominated the s 2nd period with 3 straight goals, 2 scores while on the power play. Kevin Young put the Lions ahead 4 minutes into the second with a power play wrap around goal. John Scully scored minutes later on a wrist shot that found the upper right hand corner. Eddie Golin would score the final goal on of the period from the point as the Viator was on a 5-3 advantage. The period ended 4-1 with Lions in control.

The 3rd period changed in favor of Glenbrook.   Titan Josh Berkowitz would
score his first of two goals just 1:25 into the period. Berkowitz would follow up that tally with another with 1:19 remaining.  Lions Ricky Gattone would foil the attempted South comeback with with an open net goal with 13 seconds remaining.

For the game, South outshot the Lions 32-16. Dante Keoppen played a strong game in goal for the Lions and got the win. The Scholastic Cup playoffs start Saturday. Times and opponents yet to be determined.

Quote from the coach: "Koeppen was real strong for us tonight and allowed us to play a great second period and survive the other 2 periods."

January 27, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Notre Dame

Result: Win
Record: 35-10-9, Metro North 12-3-6, CCHL 13-5-1

Specialty teams came through in a big way as Saint Viators scored 2 short handed goals and one power play goal to defeat Notre Dame 3-1, in hotly contested CCHL game in Niles Monday night.

Brian Keefe would score a unassisted short handed goal 8 minutes into the game. Keefe picked up the puck at the Viator blue line then out skated one defenseman and found the upper right hand corner for the only goal of the period.

Christian DiVito while the Lions had a man advantage would find a lose puck just outside the Notre Dame crease and push it pass goalie Notre Dame goalie Ryan Maize for the Lions second goal late in period 2.

The game tightened up considerably in the 3rd period. Notre Dame would be the benefactor of a 5 against 3 situation. With the two man advantage a deflection in front of Lions goalie Robert Schmidt found it's way to the back of the net and the Lions lead was cut in half, 2-1.

Just minutes later Notre Dame was awarded another 5 against 3. Lions defenseman Michael Santorsola found a lose puck just outside the red line and raced down the left side of the ice. With a Notre Dame player chasing him, Santorsola stopped suddenly, the defenseman slid by and Santorsola went in on a partial break away. He lifted a back hand shot that Miaze deflected in the air and Santorsola tipped the puck while in flight pass a stunned goalie to recapture the two goal lead.

The Lions still not out of trouble killed off the remaining two man disadvantage.

The game ended with some unnecessary physical play. Dominic Zanfardino showed some real discipline as he was the victim of some nasty physical play and choose not to retaliate drawing 4 penalties to Notre Dame on the one play.

Quote from the Coach:" The ice was terrible which slowed down everything we were trying to do, we lost our composure for to much of the 3rd period which almost cost us the game, what Zanfardino did for the team was something you had to see to believe and finally the goal that Santorsola scored was something."

January 25, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Highland Park Giants
Results: Win

Record: Overall 34-10-9, Metro North 12-3-6, CCHL 12-5-1

Pat Windle got senior night off to a great start by scoring a goal on the first shift of the game (23 seconds of the 1st period) and the Lions never look defeating the visitors from Highland Park 6-0.

Senior John Scully would also contribute with 2 goals. Zack Zelisko and Austin Spahr would each get one goal a piece.

The Lions spent much of the second period short handed and had to kill off a 5 against 3 with good goaltending from senior Dante Koeppen who recorded the shutout.

The team will graduate 9 seniors, they are (C) John Scully, (FWD) Brian Keefe, (FWD) Pat Windle, (DEF.) John DiVito, (FWD) Danny Sheehan,(FWD) Max Czarnecki, (FWD) Dominic Zanfardino, (DEF) Michael Obenauf and (G) Dante Koeppen.

Quote from the Coach: "We have been very fortunate to have had these 9 players represent Saint Viator on the ice. They have played with passion, dignity and skill and I think every guy in our room wanted a win for them on their day."

January 22, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs New Trier Blue, Fenwick
Results: Tie, Loss

Record: Overall 33-10-9, Metro North 11-3-6,CCHL 12-5-1

Wednesday night the Lions and New Trier Blue battled to a 5-5 tie in Metro North play. The lead would change hands 5 different times before John Scully would tie the game for good with a minute to play with a power play goal.

Also scoring for Viators were forwards Brian Keefe with 2 goals, Zack Zelisko and Christian DiVito with one each. For the game the Lions would outshoot New Trier 41-22.

Fenwick was the foe Thursday night for Lions and despite a close played game the Friars would prevail 5-1. The game was tied at 1 with 3 minutes to play in the 2nd period when Fenwick would strike for two goals in 8 seconds. The Lions despite constant pressure could not dent the Fenwick net and would give up two more late goals in the 3rd period.

Quote from the Coach "In most facets of the game we outplayed both teams but you have to score goals and we did not get that done enough. Likewise if you surrender 5 goals you are not going to win very much".

January 18, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Fenwick, Stevenson

Results: Loss, Tie

Overall Record: 33-9-8, Metro North 11-3-5, CCHL 12-4-1

The Lions played two games over the weekend. They dropped a 3-2 decision to Fenwick in a CCHL contest and tied Stevenson 4-4 in a Metro North game.

A slow start Friday night against Fenwick had the Lions trailing 3-0 heading into the 3rd period. Ricky Gatton would get the Lions on the board with a goal just minutes into the final period. Gattone's goal then would be followed up by a short handed goal from Brian Keefe to make the game interesting with over 9 minutes to play. Viator continued their attack by putting 14 shots on goal in the final period but Fenwick goalie Nick Chiapetta would allow nothing else past him and Fenwick held for a 3-2 win.

The following night the Lions traveled to Stevenson. Viator's Ricky Gattone opened up the scoring 4 minutes into the game with a power play goal. Stevenson answered that goal with a power play goal of their own 48 seconds later. The Patriots added another goal with 6 minutes left in the period. Lion Jeremy Linzing cutting across the Patriots zone moving from right to left, let go a 35 foot wrist shot and beat Patriot goalie Sam Schmaren to tie the game at 2.

The Patriots would score the only goal of the 2nd period. The hard work of Danny Sheehan led to the Lions 3rd goal. Sheehan won a race to the puck on the Stevenson's end boards, located Zack Zelisko and delivered a tape to tape pass and Zelisko would beat Schmaren from close range. Michael Obenauf would put the Lions ahead with a power play goal with 4 minutes to play. Stevenson would answer that goal with a late power play of their own to complete the scoring.

In other hockey news
The State tournament rankings came out on Monday and the Lions are seated 4th. Players selected for the Metro North All star game are Goalie Dante Koeppen, Forwards John Scully, Brian Keefe and Dominic Zanfardino. On Defense, Michael Obenauf.

Quote from the Coach:  Against Fenwick: "You can't have that slow of a start against a good team and expect to win. The game against Stevenson was the pace we like to play at and we should have been able to hold onto the lead at the end of the game but we took a bad penalty and it came back to hurt us".

January 10, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs Evanston, St. Ignatius
Results: Wins

Record: Overall 33-9-7, Metro North  11-3-4, CCHL 12-3-1.

This past weekend the Lions earned 2 victories defeating Evanston 4-2 and St. Ignatius 6-1.

Ricky Gattone starred against Evanston by scoring 3 straight goals, one via an awarded penalty shot that put the Lions ahead 3-1 midway through the second period.

Evanston would cut the lead in the second period to 3-2 while they had a 5-3 man advantage.

Goalie Robert Schmidt made some critical saves in the 3rd period to hold the lead, none was bigger then with 4 minutes to play  Evanston caught the Lions in an odd man 3-1 and entered the Lions Zone. Schmidt moving to his right stopped two shots before freezing the puck which allowed Saint Viator to regroup.

Christian DiVito would cap the scoring with 2 minutes to play to give the Lions a 4-2 win.

Sunday night the Lions put 55 shots on goal and rolled to a 6-1 win over St.
Ignatius in CCHL play.  Defenseman Eddie Golin netted two goals while John Scully, Brian Keefe, Zach Zelisko and  Patrick Windle scored one a piece.

The Lions will face Fenwick Friday night and then Stevenson Saturday night.

Quote from the Coach: "Gattone was special against Evanston. The entire team played well against St. Ignatius"

January 7, 2010
Saint Viator Lions vs New Trier White Trevians
Result: Win

Record: Overall 31-9-7, Metro North 10-3-4, CCHL 11-3-1

The Lions jumped back into Metro North play after the holiday break with a 10-4 win over New Trier White.

Forward Brian Keefe seemed to be everywhere. Keefe scored a total of 4 goals, two while shorthanded, his linemate Pat Windle was a big helper in each goal.  The Lions attack in recent games had struggled but against New Trier they had plenty of puck possession time and eventually wore down the Trevians.

Up 6-1 with 5 minutes to go in the second period, New Trier mounted a small comeback scoring two late goals. making the score at intermission 6-3.

Defenseman Michael Obenauf scored just seconds into 3rd period making the score 7-3.  This goal seemed to put a damper on the New Trier thoughts of coming back.

Quote from the Coach: "We have a lot of fire power but recently pucks were not going in for us, it was nice to get on the board that many times, and Brian Keefe was outstanding."

Lions Holiday Action

Overall record: 30-9-7, Metro North 9-3-4, CCHL 11-3-1.

Summary of Holiday action:  The Lions took part in the Blackhawk Cup Charities Holiday tournament and went 0-2-1. The Lions were defeated by the eventual Champion and number 1 ranked New Trier Green by the score of 1-0 and by York 6-1. The Lions and Fenwick played to a 4-4 tie.

In CCHL action over the break, the Lions fell to Marist 3-1 but rallied against Providence by scoring 4 goals in the 3rd period and defeated the Celtics 4-3.

Quote from the Coach: We played some excellent hockey teams and had chances to win but came up a little short against New Trier,Fenwick and Marist. We did not compete very well against York. It was a nice comeback win against Providence on Sunday.

December 19, 2009
Saint Viator vs Lake Forest Scouts
Results: Win

Record: Overall 29-6-6, Metro North 9-3-4, CCHL 10-2-1

Saint Viator defeated Lake Forest in Metro North play Saturday by the score of 6-1.

The line of Dominic Zanfardino, Ricky Gattone and Dominic Zanfardino led the way.  Zanfardino scored 3 goals and DiVito registered 3 assists, Gattone netted 1 goal and 2 assists.

The Lions were also stingy defensively with only giving up 14 shots. Dante Koeppen was in goal for Saint Viator and recorded the win.

It was a game played with heavy hearts as the game was dedicated to the memory of former Captain Josh Strutz class of 2008.

Scoring Summary: J. Scully 1(G), D. Zanfardino 3(G)1(A), M. Santorsola 1(A), R. Gattone 1(G)1(A), B. Keefe 1(A), P. Windle 1(A), C. DiVito 3(A), M.
Obenauf 1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "It was a very difficult today."

December 18, 2009
Saint Viator vs Fenwick Friars (CCHL)

Record: Overall 28-6-6, Metro North 8-3-4, CCHL 10-2-1.

In a high scoring affair, Fenwick dropped Saint Viator by the score of 7-6 in a CCHL game Thursday night at Hoffman Estates Ice Rink.

Fenwick opened the scoring at the 3:49 mark but the Lions would answer back with 1st period goals from Brian Keefe, Dominic Zanfardino and John Scully.
Fenwick would score a goal between Scully's and Zanfardino's to make the score 3-2 after one period.

The Lions would tack on another goal in the 2nd period by Zanfardino to take a 4-2 lead. Semingly having the game under control, Viator's became  the beneficiary of a two man advantage with 10 minutes to play in the second.
This soon was erased as the Lions took two consecutive quick penalties negating the advantage. This turn of events seem to swing the momentum back toward Fenwick who's attacking offense took over from there. Only Dante Koeppen brilliance in goal saved the two goal lead as he stopped 4 straight break away chances in the period.

Finally, with 43 seconds to play in the 2nd period Fenwick scored a power play goal to cut the lead to 4-3. They would follow up that score with 5 seconds to go in the period when Koeppen would stop his 4th break away of the period only to find 3 other Friars standing in front of him and Kale Johnstone of Fenwick would finish the sequence with a goal.

Tied at 4 going into the 3rd, the Lions countered with a goal just 29 seconds into the 3rd period when Pat Windle found a lose puck around the net and potted it to give the Lions their last lead of the night 5-4.
Fenwick would tie the game with a short handed goal at the 4:54 mark of the period and then would score at the 9:14 mark to jump ahead 6-5.

John Scully would again tie the game at 6 when a quick wrist shot from the left side of the ice found it's mark. But less then a minute later Fenwick would score the winner as the Lions defensive coverage broke down in their zone and Aiden Verbeke would one time a shot past Koeppen for the winner.

The two teams will play each at least 3 times more the next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 27 at 9:40 am in the 16th annual Blackhawk Charity tournament at the Edge Ice rink in Bensenville.

Quote from the Coach: "We did not take care of the puck in our end of the ice and certainly we were not committed to playing team defense. Koeppen was the reason the game was even close."

December 5-6, 2009
Saint Viator vs Warren (Metro North)

Results: Loss
Record: Overall 28-5-6, Metro North 8-3-4, CCHL 10-1-1.

Five straight Warren goals were enough to erase the 2-0 lead that Viator once claimed, as the Lions fell to Warren by the score of 5-2 in a Metro North game this past Saturday.

Saint Viator took an early 2-0 lead on goals by two defenseman. Michael Santorsola and John DiVito each scored from the points to give the Lions an early edge but Warren stormed back just 16 seconds after DiVito's goal to cut the Viator lead to 2-1 entering the 2nd period.

Warren would score just 37 seconds into the second frame when a shot from the point was tipped past Lion goalie Robert Schmidt. Warren would take the lead for good with 4:20 to play in the period as Blue Devil Jack Thompson wound his way through 3 Lion defenders before beating Schmidt.

Warren would add another 2 goals in the 3rd period to complete the scoring.

The underlying story to the game was the inability for Saint Viator to score with the man advantage and twice had opportunities to score with a 5-3 advantage. For the game the Lions outshot Warren 30 to 15.

Scoring Summary: M. Santorsola 1(G), J. DiVito 1(G), D. Zanfardino 1(A), R. Gatton 1(A), M. Obenauf 1(A), P. Windle 1(A)

Quote from the coach: "Warren took a lot of penalties, we had good looks good chances but got no results with our power-play units, you have to produce when given these chances."

December 5-6, 2009

Saint Viator vs Brother Rice (CCHL)
Result: Win

Record: Overall 28-4-6, Metro North 8-2-4, CCHL 10-1-1

John Scully and Brian Keefe led the offensive charge as Saint Viator defeated Brother Rice 8-2 in a CCHL game at Hoffman Estates Thursday night.

Scully had a 5 point night, 3 goals 2 assists, while Keefe had a 6 point night, 5 helpers and 1 goal.

The two teams were tied at 2 entering the second period. The Lions lit the lamp 2 times in the middle frame to lead 4-2 going into the 3rd.

Three goals in 1:31 (Keefe, Scully, C. DiVito) put the game away for the Lions as they went to skate to the win 8-2.

Viator outshot Brother Rice for the game 38 to 19. Dante Koeppen was in goal for Saint Vaitor and got credit for the win.

Scoring Summary: J. Scully 3(G)2(A), B. Keefe 1(G)5(A), P.Windle 1(G)2(A),R. Gattone 1(G),K. Young 1(G), E. Gollin 1(A), J. DiVito 1(A), M.Obenauf 1(A) C. DiVito 1(G)

Quote from the Coach: "Scully, Keefe and Windle brought us out of our slow start."

December 6, 2009
Saint Viator vs Glenbrook North Spartans (Metro North)
Results:Loss

Overall Record: 27-4-6, Metro North 8-2-4, CCHL 9-1-1.

The Lions were defeated by Glenbrook North Wednesday night in Metro North play by the score of 3-1.

The Spartans jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals two minutes apart.

Brian Keefe scored the loan Viator goal while on a power-play half-way thru the second period to cut the Spartans lead in half 2-1.

Unfortunately with momentum changing to the Lions side a turnover deep in the Lions zone turned into the 3rd goal for Glenbrook just 2 minutes after Keefe's goal to get back the two goal margin for Glenbrook.

Although the Lions pressed all night out shooting GBN substantially, Troy Carroll stood tall in net for the Spartans and shut the door the rest of the way for the win.

Scoring Summary: B. Keefe 1(G),C. DiVito 1(A), J. Scully 1(A)

Quote from the Coach: "We did so many things right that it was a tough loss to accept, give their goalie credit for the way the game turned out."

December 5, 2009
Saint Viator vs St. Rita (CCHL), York (Non-conference)
Results: vs Rita tie, vs York win.

Record: Overall 27-3-6, CCHL 9-1-1, Metro North 8-1-4

This past weekend found the Lions skating against two of the top teams in the state St. Rita and York.

St. Rita and the Lions would play to a 2-2 tie and in the Second game Viators would defeat York 2-1.

St. Rita would jump out to a 2-0 leads on a first period power-play goal and a second period even strength goal.

The Lions managed to fight there way back in the third scoring twice in the period. The tying goal was scored when Pat Windle fired a wrist shot from the high slot that caught the upper part of the right corner.

The teams played a 4 on 4 overtime with both sides getting some excellent chances but both goaltenders were up to the pressure.

Dante Koeppen stopped 32 out of the 34 shots he faced for St. Viator.

Against York, the Lions scored the 1st two goals of the game and then surrendered a power-play goal in the second. The 3rd period was scoreless in large part due to the goaltending of Robert Schmidt.

Coach's Quote: " We earned 3 out of 4 points from two real good teams."

December 4, 2009
Saint Viator vs Saint Ignatius (CCHL)
Result: Win

Record: 26-3-5, Metro North 8-1-4, CCHL 9-1

Dominic Zanfardino and John Scully each scored 3 goals as Saint Viator defeated St. Ignatious 8-3 in a CCHL at Hoffman Estates Thursday night.

The teams entered the 3rd period tied at 3. Scully opened the period with a powerplay goal at the 1:17 mark and then followed that up with a goal 10 seconds later. All three of Scully's tally's were scored while he skated down the ride side of the ice and fired a snap shot that was to the lower part of the left side of the goal.

The Lions were frustrated time and again by Ignatius goaltender Jonathon Gavron who faced 54 Viator shots and was a key to the game being tied going into the 3rd period.

Zanfardino scored a goal in each of the 3 periods.

Dante Koeppen was in goal and recorded the win.

The Lions face rival Saint Rita Saturday 5:30 at the Buffalo Grove Ice Arena.

Scoring Summary: J. Scully 3(G)1(A), D.Zanfardino 3(G)1(A),P. Gregory 1(G), J. Linzing 1(G), R. Gattone 2(A), M. Obenauf 2(A) E. Golin 1(A),A. Spahr 1(A), A. Ziakas 1(A)

Quote from Coach: "Scully's 2 goals early in the 3rd period were certainly important, their goalie made things very difficult"

December 2, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Deerfield Warriors Metro North
Results: Win

Overall record: 25-3-5, Metro North 8-1-4, CCHL 8-1

A slightly worn out and tired hockey team took the ice Wednesday for a Metro North game with Deerfield. The Lions coming off a grueling tournament weekend were further depleted, when 4 players sat out with sickness or injury but still managed to get a victory over the Deerfield Warriors 3-1.

Deerfield scored the only goal in the first period as they won a face off in the Lions zone and the ensuing shot hit a skate and deflected past Lions goalie Dante Koeppen.

Viator struggled to get much going offensively until midway thru the 2nd period. John Scully picked up a lose puck in the Warriors end and drove the net and fired a snap shot past Deerfield goalie Jordan Shirley to even the score at 1.

Late in the period, a shot by defenseman John DiVito was taken from the point and the puck was deflected a number of times and ultimately ended up bouncing into the Deerfield net, Dominic Zanfardino was credited with the goal.

Ricky Gattone added an insurance goal early in the 3rd period as he banked a shot from behind the net off the back of Jordan Shirley, this completed the scoring.

Koeppen recorded the win in goal, stopping 17 of the 18 shots he faced.

Saint Viators will host St. Ignatius tonight at 7:00pm at the Hoffman Estates Ice Arena.

Scoring summary: J.Scully 1(G), C. DiVito 1(A), D. Zanfardino 1(G) 1(A), R.
Gattone 1(G), A. Spahr 1(A)

Quote from the coach: "We knew it would be a struggle tonight with some tired legs, it was just good to get out of the game with a win"

November 25-29, 2009

Overall record:  24-3-5 Metro North 7-1-4, CCHL 8-1

The Thanksgiving Holiday presented the Lions with 6 games in 5 days as they played a Metro North game on the eve of Thanksgiving and then participated in the Stevenson Holiday Classic that found them advancing to the finals against Stevenson where they would eventually fall to the Patriots 5-4.

On Wednesday,  New Trier Blue and Saint Viator faced off with both teams tied for 1st place in Metro North. Nothing would be settled as the game ended in dramatic fashion with New Trier tying the game with 2 seconds remaining 4-4.

In the Stevenson Thanksgiving Classic, Viator defeated Marian Catholic of Indiana 10-1, Evanston 6-1 and Deerfield 4-2 to reach the semi-finals.

Perennial power Glenbrook North stood in the way of the finals. In a classic game, the Lions would defeat Glenbrook North 2-0 on two 3rd period goals. Dominic Zanfardino broke the 0-0 tie with a spectacular backhand goal midway thru the 3rd period. John Scully would add the second Viator goal, a blast from about 20 feet with less then 4 minutes remaining to complete the scoring.

The Lions defense was incredibly stingy, allowing just 11 shots on goal.
Goalie Robert Schmidt earned the shutout.

Sunday's final featured two teams that had played to a 2-2 tie earlier in the year. The game sea-sawed back in forth until Stevenson seemed to have a strangle hold on the game with a 5-2 lead 2 minutes into the 3rd period. The Lions mounted a comeback with 2 straight goals, one from Michael Santorsola and the other from Kevin Young to cut Stevenson lead to 5-4.

Viator had 2 good chances at the end of the game with one chance finding the puck narrowly missing going across the Stevenson goaline.

Quote from the Coach: "We played some really terrific hockey. Both the semi's and finals were filled with great action and drama. Down 5-2 against Stevenson we could have just quit but instead we made a statement by coming back. This marks the halfway point of the season, with that said, my assessment is people should come out to watch this team play, they play with heart and passion it is a team to be proud of, they have a chance to be very special."

November 22, 2009
Saint Viator vs Loyola Maroon, St. Rita
Conference: Metro North, CCHL
Results; SV vs Loyola: Win, SV vs St. Rita: Win

Overall Record: 19-2-4, Metro North 7-1-3, CCHL 8-1

This past weekend fond the Lions competing in two conference games.

In Metro North action Saturday night, Saint Viator defeated Loyola Maroon 4-1 and CCHL found the Lions defeating St. Rita 3-2.

In Saturday game, the Lions scored two 1st period goals and then 1 each in the following two periods on their way to the 4-1 win over Loyola.

Viator, Dominic Zanfardino opened the scoring with a wrist from 20 feet in the slot with an assist from Christian DiVito. Ricky Gattone would add the second goal with less then 2 minutes remaining in the 1st period.

The Lions 3rd goal was created when Defenseman John DiVito who had the puck at his own blueline, found Max Czarnecki camped out the Loyola blueline and delivered the long pass to Czarnecki. Czarnecki skated in another 20 feet and snapped a shot from the right side past Loyola goalie Jordan Riezen.

Zack Zelisko scored the 4th and final goal for Viator's unassisted at the beginning of the 3rd period. Dante Koeppen stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced, losing his shutout with 2 minutes to play while the Lions were shorthanded.

The line of DiVito, Zanfardino and Gattone were the story of the game. At times it seemed like they were the only 3 on the ice playing catch with the puck and delivering 2 of the 4 goals.

The Weekends CCHL game between Viator and Rita was an intense physical affair that featured two of the top Catholic league teams. Rita drew first blood as they scored on a powerplay 4 minutes into the game.

Rita would add to their lead in the second period as they hemmed the Lions up in their own zone for a good 45 seconds before finally scoring their second goal on a close in rebound.

Trailing 2-0 Viator went on the attack. On a power play, Ricky Gattone won a critical face-off to Christian DiVito who delivered a 15 foot writs shot past the Rita net minder to make the score 2-1.

Less then a minute later, again on the power play, John Scully tied with a rebound of the shot from Brian Keefe.

Towards the end of the second period the Lions were whistled for 2 penalties at the same time giving the Mustangs a two man advantage for a full 2 minutes.

This might of been the turning point, as Lion's Goalie Robert Schmidt and the penalty killing units stood the test and killed off the disadvantage without any damage.

John Scully would capped the comeback with another power play goal at 4:10 mark of the 3rd period. Giving the Lions one of their finest wins of the season.

Scoring Summary: vs Loyola
D. Zanfardino 1(G)1(A) R. Gattone 1(G), M. Czarnecki 1(G), Z. Zelisko 1(G), J. DiVito 2(A), C. DiVito 1(A)
Scoring Summary: vs Rita
C. DiVito 1(G), J.Scully 2(G), R. Gattone 1(A), B. Keffe 1(A), D. Zanfardion 1(A), P. Windle 1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "I am very proud of how we played this weekend. Facing a 2-0 deficit to Rita on the road, we never panicked, we stayed composed, we showed a strength and determination of team that believes in itself and for that we were rewarded with a win."

November 21, 2009
Saint Viator vs Notre Dame (CCHL)
Results: Win

Overall record:  20-2-4, CCHL 9-1, Metro North 7-1-3

The 20th win of the season did not come easy as the Lions defeated Notre Dame 5-4 Monday night in a CCHL game played in Niles.

The Lions did jump out to a 4-1 lead with 1st period goals from Jack Gaffney, Ricky Gattone who had a 4 point night and Jeremy Linzing.
Michael Obenauf would add a 2nd period goal to give the Lions a 3 goal lead.

Notre Dame fought back with one break away goal just minutes after the Lions 4th goal and followed that tally up with 2 power-play goals to get even.

Christian DiVito would bang in a rebound at the 5:45 mark of the 3rd period to put the Lions in the lead for good. It was the third power play goal of the night for Saint Viator.

Scoring summary: J. Gaffney 1(G), R. Gattone 1(G)3(A), J. Linzing 1(G)1(A),M.Obenauf 1(G)1(A), C. DiVito 1(G)1(A),J. Scully 1(A),K. Young 1(A)Z. Zelisko 1(A)

Quote from the Coach: "It wasn't pretty but we got the job done, we were very tired."

November 20, 2009
Saint Viator vs Loyola Maroon, St. Rita
Conference: Metro North, CCHL
Results; SV vs Loyola: Win, SV vs St. Rita: Win

Overall Record: 19-2-4, Metro North 7-1-3, CCHL 8-1

This past weekend fond the Lions competing in two conference games.

In Metro North action Saturday night, Saint Viator defeated Loyola Maroon 4-1 and CCHL found the Lions defeating St. Rita 3-2. The Lions scored two 1st period goals and then 1 each in the following two periods on their way to the 4-1 win over Loyola.

Viator, Dominic Zanfardino opened the scoring with a wrist from 20 feet in the slot with an assist from Christian DiVito. Ricky Gattone would add the second goal with less then 2 minutes remaining in the 1st period.

The Lions 3rd goal was created when Defenseman John DiVito who had the puck at his own blueline, found Max Czarnecki camped out the Loyola blueline and delivered the long pass to Czarnecki. Czarnecki skated in another 20 feet and snapped a shot from the right side past Loyola goalie Jordan Riezen.

Zack Zelisko scored the 4th and final goal for Viator's unassisted at the beginning of the 3rd period. Dante Koeppen stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced, losing his shutout with 2 minutes to play while the Lions were shorthanded.

The line of DiVito, Zanfardino and Gattone were the story of the game. At times it seemed like they were the only 3 on the ice playing catch with the puck and delivering 2 of the 4 goals.

The Weekends CCHL game between Viator and Rita was an intense physical affair that featured two of the top Catholic league teams. Rita drew first blood as they scored on a powerplay 4 minutes into the game.

Rita would add to their lead in the second period as they hemmed the Lions up in their own zone for a good 45 seconds before finally scoring their second goal on a close in rebound. Trailing 2-0 Viator went on the attack. On a power play, Ricky Gattone won a critical face-off to Christian DiVito who delivered a 15 foot writs shot past the Rita net minder to make the score 2-1.

Less then a minute later, again on the power play, John Scully tied with a rebound of the shot from Brian Keefe. Towards the end of the second period the Lions were whistled for 2 penalties at the same time giving the Mustangs a two man advantage for a full 2 minutes.This might of been the turning point, as Lion's Goalie Robert Schmidt and the penalty killing units stood the test and killed off the disadvantage without any damage.

John Scully would capped the comeback with another power play goal at 4:10 mark of the 3rd period. Giving the Lions one of their finest wins of the season.

Scoring Summary: vs Loyola
D. Zanfardino 1(G)1(A) R. Gattone 1(G), M. Czarnecki 1(G), Z. Zelisko 1(G), J. DiVito 2(A), C. DiVito 1(A)
Scoring Summary: vs Rita
C. DiVito 1(G), J.Scully 2(G), R. Gattone 1(A), B. Keffe 1(A), D. Zanfardion 1(A), P. Windle 1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "I am very proud of how we played this weekend. Facing a 2-0 deficit to Rita on the road, we never panicked, we stayed composed, we showed a strength and determination of team that believes in itself and for that we were rewarded with a win."

November 19, 2009
Saint Viator vs Mount Carmel (CCHL)
Result: Win

Current Team Record:
Overall 17-2-4, CCHL 7-1, Metro North 6-1-3

Two different Lions recorded hat tricks as Saint Viator defeated Mount Carmel 10-4 in CCHL action Thursday night in Hoffman Estates. The win moves the Lions record in the Catholic League to 7-1.

John Scully, who played defense for the first time this year and Christian DiVito each scored three goals in the Victory.

The scoring by periods was rather balanced, with Viator scoring 4 in the 1st, 3 in the 2nd and 3 in the 3rd. Other notables were Dominic Zanfardino with 5 points, 2 goals and 3 assists. The Lions were 2 for 3 on the power-play.

Robert Schmidt was in goal for Saint Viators and made 21 saves.

The Lions are 3-0 this week with 2 games yet to play, Loyola on Saturday night then St. Rita Sunday.

Scoring Summary: J. Scully 3(G)1(A), C. DiVito 3(G)1(A), D. Zanfardino 2(G)3(A), P. Windle 2(G). R. Gattone 4(A), B. Keefe 3(A),M. Obenauf 1(A),M.
Czarnecki 1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "It has been a tough week with some really tough games and this team has really stepped up to meet the challenge."

November 18, 2009
Saint Viator vs Lake Forest Scouts (Metro North)
Result: Win

Overall Record: 16-2-4, Metro North 6-1-3, CCHL 6-1

Lions Goalie Dante Koeppen stopped all 16 shots he faced, many in the 3rd period when his team was tired, and the Lions earned a 3-0 win over Lake Forest in Metro North play Thursday Night.

The Lions and Scouts both failed to score in the 1st period. Viator did record 12 shots in the period but had very little secondary opportunities to score on rebounds.

Christian DiVito parked in front the Lake Forest net deflected a low hard shot from John DiVito to score the first goal 5 minutes into the second period.

Christian DiVito would again get in the scoring column when he assisted on the next goal 3 minutes later. He found fellow linemate, Dominic Zanfardino on the right side of the net and Zanfardino buried a shot between the legs of Lake Forest goalie Oliver Tully to increase the lead to 2.

Back to back penalties against Viator's enabled some momentum change to Lake Forest. Koeppen was key at this point in making some critical saves and keeping the Scouts off the score board

The defensive unit of Anthony Skinner, Michael Santorsola, Michael Obenhauf, Eddie Golin and John DiVito were equally strong as their net minder. They consistently retrieved pucks quickly and turned the flow of the game back towards the Lake Forest end.

Forward Zack Zelisko would close out his 2 point night with and open net goal with .3 seconds to play in the game.

Scoring Summary: C. DiVito 1(G)1(A), J. DiVito 1(A), R. Gattone 1(A),D.
Zanfardino 1(G)1(A),Z. Zelisko 1(G)1(A)

Quote from the Coach: "We were a little tired, so our goaltending had to be good and we had to have all lines contributing and they all did, good road win."

November 16, 2009
Saint Viator vs York Dukes
Result: Win

Current Team Record: 15-2-4, Metro North 5-1-3, CCHL 6-1

Summary: A span of 3 minutes in the 1st period, propelled Saint Viator's past the 6th ranked York Dukes 4-2 in a non-conference game Monday night at Addison Ice Rink.

Dominic Zanfardino, Ricky Gattone and Christian DiVito all teamed up to score the first Viator goal. The precision passing to one another as they broke up ice led to Zanfardino getting the goal on a tip in pass from Gattone.

Danny Sheehan benefited from a York goalie turnover deep inside the attack zone and found an open net to score the Viators second goal.

Christina DiVito scored the 3rd goal as he crossed the blue line angled right and let go of a blistering wrist shot that found the upper part of the net. York would answer DiVito goals just 30 seconds later to make the score 3-1.

Each teams traded goals on in the second. Viator wing, Ricky Gattone scoring unassisted with 3:01 to play in the second. York would end the period with a goal off a face off with 9 seconds to go in the period.

The 3rd period may have been the Lions best defensive period as they broke up many of the York break out passes and attacked after the turnover. Viator goalie Robert Schmidt made 16 saves out of the 18 shots he faced.

Scoring summary: D. Zanfardino 1(G) 1(A), R. Gattone 1(G)2(A),D. Sheehan 1(G),C. DiVito 1(G)1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "Great start to the game and a playoff type of defensive period in 3rd were the keys to us winning."

November 14, 2009
Saint Vaitor vs. Warren
Result: Tie

Record: 14-2-4, Metro North 5-1-3, CCHL 6-1

A power play goal with 4:30 to play in the game earned Warren a tie against Saint Viator in Metro North play this past Saturday 2-2 at the West Meadows Ice Arena.

The game was physical and tight checking from the start.

Warren would score the opening goal of the game at the 7:59 mark of the 2nd period. A goal mouth scramble developed at right side of the Lions net. Viator goalie Dante Koeppen made a couple of saves before the puck was eventually poked in.

Lion Jeremy Linzing, who had hit the post early in the second period on a low shot got another opportunity 3 minutes later.  This time Linzing's drive of the same fashion as the first, again would beat the Warren goalie only this time it was on target hit and the game was tied at 1 after two periods.

In the 3rd period, Pat Windle would give Viator's their first lead of the day as he scored a goal from an odd angle. Windle's shot 5:36 into the stanza, came from the goal line and slightly from behind the net. The shot hit a stick and deflected past a surprise Warren goalie.

The game got even more physical in the 3rd period with a number of penalties being dished out to both teams. Warren would finally capitalize on one of their man advantages. Warren's Defenseman  Brad Hauser let go of a shot from the right point that hit Koeppen on his right shoulder and deflected up and over the goalie into the Viator net to tie the game.

Scoring summary: J.Linzing 1(G), Z. Zelisko 1(A), A. Skinner 1(A),P. Windle 1(G), D. Zanfardino 1(A), M. Obenhauf 1(A)

Quote from the Coach: "We had a lead with under 5 minutes to play, we have to find a way to close out those types of games."

November 12, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Marist CCHL
Results: Loss

Overall Record: 14-2-3  Metro North 5-1-2, CCHL 6-1

Game Summary: For the first time this season Saint Viators tasted defeat in the CCHL via a 6-4 loss at the hands of Marist Thursday night.

The Lions were quickly put on their heels as Marist scored on 3 of their first 5 shots to go up 3-0. John Scully gave the Lions some life with a goal just seconds after the Marist 3rd goal.

Brian Keefe further fueled the comeback attempt as he scored late in the first period on a break away to cut the Marist lead to 3-2.

The Lions were called for 2 consecutive penalties midway through the second period that enabled Marist to score two more power play goals. one was a 5 against 3 to make the score 5-2. The Lions defenseman John DiVito capitalized on a power play with about 2:30 minutes left in the 2nd. Brian Keefe followed DiVito seconds later with a wicked wrist shot from about 35 feet that cleanly beat the Marist goalie to cut the deficit to 1.

The back breaking goal for Viators may have come with .02 second to play in the period. A mad scramble took place in front the Lions net with the puck finally being poked home for the Marist 6th goal. No further scoring took place in the 3rd period even though the Lions had plenty of good chances.

Scoring Summary: J. Scully 1(G)1(A), E.Golin 1(A), B.Keefe 2(G), J. DiVito 1(G), P. Windle 1(A)

Quote from the coach. " We made to many little mistakes that together ended up being large ones. We also got distracted by some questionable calls instead of playing through the situations."

Next Game Saturday 3pm at West Meadows vs Warren.

November 8, 2009
Saint Viator vs. New Trier White Trevians Metro-North
result : Win

Record: Overall 14-1-3, Metro North 5-1-2, CCHL 6-0

The Lions defeated New Trier White 6-3 last night in Metro North play.  The lone goal of the 1st period was scored by the Lions Pat Windle as he picked up a rebound off the shot from John Scully.

Scully found Brian Keefe breaking through the neutral zone and sent the winger in on a break away where he took care of the rest by deaking the Trevians goalie right before going left and scoring the second goal of the night 4 minutes into the 2nd period.  The third goal of the night was created from a number of nice passes and cycles that ended up going from Defenseman Austin Spahr to Keefe with Kevin Young finishing the play just in front of the Trevians net to give Viator's a 3-0 lead.

New Trier would score the next goal to cut the deficit to 3-1. Dominic Zanfardino took a pass from Anthony Skinner worked his way through the defense and eventually scored  the 4th goal on a wrap around try. The Lions would give up a late 2nd period goal to head into the locker room up 4-2.

Scully, Keefe and Windle would open up the third period with the nicest goal of the night. Scully took the puck from behind his own net, worked his way up the left boards where he found Windle for a nice break out pass. Keefe crossed with Windle and continued the play into the Trevians zone where Scully caught the play and received a tape to tape pass from Keefe and buried the puck for the 5th goal of the night.

Each team would trade late goals, as Defenseman John DiVito closed the scoring for Viator's with a wrist shot goal from the blue line.

Thursday the Lions travel to Marist for a CCHL game.

Scoring summary: P. Windle 1(G), J. Scully 1(G)3(A),B. Keefe 1(G) 2(A), K. Young 1(G), D. Zanfardino 1(G), J. DiVito 1(G), A. Spahr 1(A),A. Skinner 1(A)

Quote from the Coach: "They were real pesky, you think you have the game under control and then they would score a goal and be within striking distance, they  made us battle all night."

November 8, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Brother Rice CCHL
Result: Win

Overall Record 13-1-3, Metro North 4-1-2, CCHL 6-0

Saint Viator extended it's unbeaten streak in Catholic League play with a 8-1 win over Brother Rice Sunday night in Oak Lawn.

The game was scoreless heading into the second period. John Scully changed that with a goal 29 seconds into the 2nd period. Scully's mark seemed to ignite the Lions as they would score 5 more times in the period. Jeremy Linzing followed Scully just 15 seconds later with goal of a similar variety by shooting the puck and following his own shot with a rebound put in.
Ricky Gattone would score one of two power play goals for Lions as he took a back door pass from Dominic Zanfardino to make the score 3-0.

Gattone and Zanfardino would hook up again on the 4th Viator goal with Zanfardino scoring at the 7:47 mark. Defenseman Anthony Skinner fresh out of the penalty box would score the 5th goal with help from Zanfardino and Christian DiVito. The sixth and final goal of the period came off the stick of Jack Gaffney with under a minute to play in the period.

The 3rd period found Scully and Linzing duplicating the scoring of the second period by going back to back. Linzing's goal was on the power play to close out the scoring.  Saint Viator goalie Robert Schmidt bid for a shut out was ruined early in the 3rd as he was beaten on a partial screen shot from about 25 feet out.

Saint Viator had 46 shots for the game.

Scoring summary: J. Scully 2(G), J. Linzing 2(G), R. Gattone 1(G) 1(A), D.Zanfardino 1(G)2(A), A. Skinner 1(G), J. Gaffney 1(G),A. Spahr 1(A),D.
Sheehan 2(A),C. DiVito 1(A), P. Windle 1(A), B. Keefe 1(A).

Quote from the Coach: "We were strong at both ends of the ice"

November 4, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Stevenson Patriots Conference-Metro North
Result: Tie

Current Team Record:
12-1-3, Metro North 4-1-2, CCHL 5-0.

Saturday night's Metro North game featured two of the top teams in the league, Saint Viator and Stevenson. The two teams would play to a 2-2 draw.

Stevenson scored the first two goals of the game in the first period. Both goals were scored on their power play.

The Lions mounted a comeback in the second period. Saint Viator's Brian Keefe scored with an assist from John Scully  at the 6:56 mark to cut the Patriots lead in half 2-1. Jeremy Linzing really changed the momentum of the game as he picked up a rebound off of Jack Gaffney's stick while the Lions were on the power play and tied the game at 9:45 of the 2nd period.

In the third period the Lions look like they took the lead with a third goal that was eventually waved off because the referee lost site of the puck. There would be no further scoring with each goalie making some critical stops to keep the game tied.

Viator's goalie Dante Koeppen stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced.

Scoring summary: B. Keefe 1(G),J. Scully 1 (A), J. Linzing 1 (G), J. Gaffney 1(A).

Quote from Coach: "We dug ourselves a hole early against a real good team, but battled hard to earn a tie. Not a bad point to get".

October 31, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Deerfield
Result: Win

Current Team Record:
Overall 12-1-2, CCHL 5-0, Metro North 4-1-1

Saint Viator improved to 4-1-1 in Metro North play with a 4-1 win over Deerfield Saturday night in Buffalo Grove.

Ricky Gattone capped off a strong shift with his line, scoring six minutes into the game for a 1-0 lead. Gattone, Dominic Zanfardino and Christian DiVito combined to outwork Deerfield, keeping the puck alive in the Deerfield zone until Zanfardino found Gattone in front for the only goal of the period. Viator outshot Deerfield 10-6, with Robert Schmidt coming up with a big save off a late turnover to preserve the lead.

The second period produced few 5 on 5 chances for either team with Viator being whistled for three penalties and Deerfield two. Fortunately, the Lions continued their recent trend of finding the net while shorthanded when Gattone scored his second of the game with two minutes to go in the period. Zanfardino earned the assist when he forced a turnover at the Deerfield blue line and fed Gattone who backhanded one off the post and in giving Viator a 2-0 lead.

The Lions failed to convert on an early third period power play, but the line of Brian Keefe, John Scully and Pat Windle kept working until Scully was able to beat the Deerfield goalie for a 3-0 lead. Michael Santorsola started the play, stopping a clearing attempt at the blue line and firing a shot to the net. Windle was able to find Scully for the rebound goal. Less than a minute later the Lions struck again, this time Danny Sheehan sprung Jack Gaffney on a partial breakaway with Gaffney beating the Deerfield net minder with a nice backhander. Deerfield scored a late pp goal on their only shot of the period, denying Schmidt and the Lions of a shutout.

Strong team defense limited Deerfield to 13 shots for the game. Gattone, Zanfardino and C. DiVito were strong all game, as were Keefe, Scully and Windle. Santorsola and John DiVito also played well, especially at keeping pucks in the Deerfield zone.

Scorers:  Gattone (2G), Scully (1G), Gaffney (1G),Zanfardino (2A), Windle (1A), Santorsola (1A), Sheehan (1A).

Games this week: Saturday night vs. Stevenson at Northbrook, Sunday night vs. Brother Rice at Oak Lawn.

October 28, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Loyola Maroon (Metro North)
Result: Win

Current Team Record:
Overall 10-1-2, CCHL 4-0, Metro North 3-1-1

Saint Viator notched their third straight Metro North win, beating Loyola 5-2 Wednesday night at West Meadows Ice Arena.

Jeremy Linzing opened the scoring for Viator, putting one of his signature backhanders over the Loyola goalie three minutes into the game. Anthony Skinner started the play with a long clearing pass up the ice to Jack Gaffney who found Linzing cruising up the slot. Only a minute later the Lions struck again as Brian Keefe fed John Scully in front who roofed a shot past the Loyola goalie. Two minutes after Scully’s goal, the Lions chased Loyola’s starter in net when Dominic Zanfardino took a long pass from Christian DiVito, sped in on left wing and scored the third Lion goal on only 5 shots. Loyola seemed to find some momentum after changing goalies, scoring a power play goal late in period making the score 3-1 at the end of one.

Loyola scored again 4 minutes into the second, as they kept possession of the puck after a Viator penalty expired, pulling within 3-2. The game continued to be dominated by special teams the rest of the way, as neither team had much success 5 on 5. With only 2 minutes to go in the second period, the Lions regained their 2-goal lead when Gaffney scored a shorthanded goal, putting in his own rebound on a 2 on 1 rush with Christian DiVito.

A Viator penalty early in the third led to Scully’s second goal of the night and the second shorthander for the home team. John DiVito sent a long clear high down the ice where Scully jumped to catch it at the Loyola blue line. He gathered the puck, skated around the D and deposited a high shot over the Loyola net minder.

Dante Koeppen played a key role in the game, stopping several quality chances Loyola had with the man advantage. Scully, Gaffney and C. DiVito all had multi-point games and the defense held Loyola to 20 shots for the game.

Scorers: Scully (2G), Gaffney (1G, 1A),C. DiVito (2A), Linzing (1G). Zanfardino (1G), J. DiVito (1A), Keefe (1A), Skinner (1A).
Next game: Saturday night vs. Deerfield at Twin Rinks.

October 24, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Highland Park (Metro North)
Result: Win

Current Team Record:
Overall 9-1-2, CCHL 4-0, Metro North 2-1-1

The Saint Viator Lions picked up their second Metro North win of the week, defeating the Highland Park Giants 5-3 Saturday night.

Dominic Zanfardino opened the scoring, putting the Lions in front during the first of many Highland Park penalties. Zanfardino extended his scoring streak by stuffing home a power play rebound midway thru the first period.

Some sloppy play by the Lions led to two Highland Park power play goals early in the second period. Then, after wasting several power play chances of their own, Viator finally came thru during a 5 on 3 advantage. Michael Obenauf blasted a point shot past the screened Highland Park goalie, tying the game 2-2 with under a minute left in the second. John DiVito delivered the cross ice pass on the goal.

With Highland Park still short handed from the major penalty at the start of the third, the hard work of Kevin Young, Max Czarnecki and Zack Zelisko resulted in another power play goal, with Czarnecki putting home a nice pass from Young. Less than a minute later, Ricky Gattone sped in from the right wing and wristed a wicked shot over the HP goalie for the 6th straight pp goal of the game. The third goal for Viator during the extended power play put the Lions in front 4-2. Highland Park pulled within 4-3 with an even strength goal a minute later, but Christian DiVito restored the two goal lead, finishing off a nice passing play from linemates Zanfardino and Gattone.

Ricky Gattone was a key player this night for Viator, as he was constantly on the puck and finished with a goal and an assist. The line of Young, Czarnecki and Zelisko also provided much needed energy on a night when Viator did not  bring their "A" game.

Scorers:  Gattone (1G, 1A), Zanfardino (1G, 1A), Obenauf (1G), Czarnecki (1G), C. DiVito (1G), J. DiVito (1A), Young (1A), Santorsola (1A), Linzing (1A).

Upcoming games this week:  Wednesday vs. Loyola Maroon, Saturday vs. Deerfield.

October 22, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Glenbrook South (Conference Metro North)
Result: Win

Current Team Record:
Overall 8-1-2, CCHL 4-0, Metro North 1-1-1

Dominic Zanfardino scored 4 goals and goalie Dante Koeppen stopped 20 out of 21 shots as Saint Viator defeated Glenbrook South 6-1 in Metro North Hockey Wednesday night.

The Lions got out to quick 3-0 lead in the 1st period with 2 goals from Zanfardino and one from Max Czarnecki. Zanfardino first goal came at even strength as Ricky Gattone head manned the puck to Zanfardino at the red line and Zanfardino skated hard left and found a small opening to score. Zanfardino's second was scored while on a power-play. The third goal was created by the line of Zach Zelisko, Kevin Young and Max Czarnecki out working Glenbrook South in their zone. Their constant pressure created a turnover and Zelisko found Czarnecki 15 feet from the South net who finished the sequence with a goal.

Zanfardino and John Scully each scored in the second. On Scully's short handed goal Brian Keefe stole the puck at center ice, drove towards the South net, went around the net, checked a forward who was high in the zone and dished the puck to Scully who finished the play.

Zanfardino closed the scoring in the 3rd with his 4th goal of the game via a 5-3 power-play as he one timed a pass from Brian Keefe just off to the right side of the net.

Somewhat unnoticed in the game was how well defensively the Lions played. Saint Viator's gave up very few good scoring opportunities and when they did Koeppen was there to make the save. Defenseman Austin Spahr was especially good with the puck on his stick.

Scorers: D. Zanfardino (4G), B. Keefe (3A), J. Scully (1G), M. Czarnecki (1G), Z. Zelisko (1A), P. Windle (1A), R. Gattone (1A).

Quote from the Coach: "It's early in the season but getting a win at their place in front of their fans may turn out to be a big 2 points down the road. Our puck possession was especially good tonight and we were very responsible in the defensive zone."

October 18, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Saint Ignatius Conference CCHL
Result: Win 12 - 0

Current Team Record:
Overall 7-1-2, CCHL 5-0, Metro North 0-1-1

For the second time in less then a week, the Saint Viator Varsity hockey team scored 7 goals in the second period and Dante Koeppen recorded a shutout as the Lions defeated St. Ignatius 12-0.

Viator came out quickly, surging to a 3-0 lead in the 1st period. Kevin Young opened the scoring when he received a nice pass from behind the net that Danny Sheehan delivered. Brian Keefe and Christian DiVito would each score a power-play goal in the period.

The "friendly" second period found 7 different Lions scoring goals. 6 were while teams were at even strength.  Brian Keefe had one shorthanded goal. Christian DiVito scored the prettiest goal of the game as he walked out of the left corner, stick handled through one defender then put the puck in the upper left hand corner of the net as the goalie came out to cut the angle down.

John Scully, 5 points for the night and Danny Sheehan 2 goals for the day, closed out the 3rd period with a goal a piece.

Scorers: K. Young (1G), B. Keefe (2G), C. DiVito (2G, 1A), P. Windle (1G), D. Zanfardino (1G, 1A), J. Gaffney (1G, 1A), M. Obenauf (1G), D. Sheehan (2G,1A),J. Scully (1G, 4A), A. Spahr (1A), A. Skinner (1A), R. Gattone (1A)

October 17, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Evanston (Conference Metro North)
Result: Tie 3-3

Current Team Record:
Overall 6-1-2, CCHL 4-0, Metro North 0-1-1

Saint Viator and Evanston played to a 3-3 tie in Metro North play this past Saturday.

Evanston opened up the scoring at the 9:12 mark of the first period on a breakaway goal. Lion, Christian DiVito knotted the game just 46 seconds later as he took a goal mouth pass from John Scully. Evanston, despite only getting two shots on goal in the 2nd period, made one of them count as they scored a shorthanded goal to take a 2-1 lead into the 3rd.

With 5 minutes gone in the final stanza, Saint Viator went on a power play. Brian Keefe scored on a long wrist shot from the point with a solid screen provided by Christian DiVito with 9:33 to play in the game.

A flurry of chances in the third period for Saint Viator's resulted in no further goals. The Lions out shot the Wildkits 32-16 for the game, and 24-4 after the first period.

Scorers: C. DiVito (1G), J. Scully (2A),  B. Keefe (1G), D. Zanfardino (1A).

Quote from the Coach: "We were deficient in some key areas, net presence, moving the puck into space, to much one on one hockey, and shooting pucks high and wide."

October 15, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Brother Rice (CCHL Game)

Result: Win  12-3
Current Team Record: 6-1-1 CCHL 4-0, Metro North 0-1-0.

7 different Lions scored goals as Saint Viator defeated Brother Rice 12-3 in CCHL action Thursday night. Leading the scoring attack were Pat Windle 3 goals and John Scully with 2. Maybe the most impressive scoring was done by forward Brian Keefe, who dished out 6 assists.

Saint Viator held a 3-0 after the 1st period. Brother Rice narrowed the margin to 3-2 just 3 minutes into the 2nd period. Then came a 7 goal outburst in the second to put the game away for the Lions. The period was highlighted by 2 sets of goals. Christian DiVito and John Scully scored goals just 13 seconds apart. Not to be outdone, Dominic Zanfardino and Jack Gaffney scored goals in a space of 7 seconds.

Viator added 2 more goals in the third to cap their largest output of the season at 12 goals.

The Lions remain unbeaten in Catholic League play at 4-0.

Top Performers/Scorers: B. Keefe (6A), P. Windle (3G,1A)C.DiVito (1G),J. Linzing (1G), J. DiVito (1G), J Scully (2G,3A),D. Zanfardino (1G, 1 A),J. Gaffney 1G, 2A),D. Sheehan (1G, 1A)M. Santorsola (1G), R. Gattone (1A), P. Gregory (1A), E. Golin (1A), M. Obenauf (1A)

Quote from the Coach: "It was a good rebound game after the our first loss. I am not sure I have ever seen 7 goals scored in a period by one team".

October 14, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Glenbrook North

Result:Loss  5-2
Current Team Record: 5-1-1, CCHL 3-0, Metro North 0-1-0

The Lions opened Metro North play with a 5-2 loss at the hands of Glenbrook North. The only goal of the firs period was scored by North at the 4:09 mark of the first period. It was a stretch in the second period where Glenbrook took control by scoring 3 goals in less then 3 minutes to give the Spartans a 4-0 lead. Christian DiVito would finally break the ice for Viators with 4 minutes to play in the second period on a power play goal to cut the lead to 4-1. The third period saw each team trading a goal, the Lions tally came from Dominic Zanfardino with the assist from Brian Keefe.

Top performers: Brian Keefe, John Scully

Quote from Coach: " Not our best effort, and if you make a mistake against them they make you pay."

October 9, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Mount Carmel

Result: Win  6-4
Current Team Record: 5-0-1 CCHL 3-0.

Behind two goals by Jeremy Linzing, the Saint Viator Lions defeated Mount Carmel 6-4 in CCHL action Thursday night at Mount Carmel. The Lions fell behind early as the Caravan grabbed the lead at the 1:49 mark of the first period. Lions center, John Scully would answer just two minutes later for Viator as he stole the puck just inside the blueline and beat the Caravan goalie with a 30 foot wrist shot.

Later in the first, Saint Viator forward Ricky Gattone scored on a power-play, as he tipped in a shot from the point from defenseman John DiVito to make the score 2-1. The third goal for Viator was scored on a nice individual effort from Jeremy Linzing. Linzing  came down the right side of the ice skated through one check, faked out another Mount Carmel defenseman and with little space snapped a backhand shot high in the upper right hand corner to close out the scoring in the first.

The second period saw 5 goals scored. 3 by Viators and 2 by Carmel. The first goal of the second period for Saint Viator was a short handed goal that Brian Keefe scored from a nice outlet pass from John Scully which made the score 4-1. Keefe had a Caravan defenseman draped all over him but still managed to get to the goal and found an opening to the far side of the net.
The second goal of the period was a beautiful team goal as Christian DiVito, Ricky Gattone and Zach Zelisko all touched the puck, moving it quickly up ice and Zelisko finished off the play with a tap in goal which made the score 5-2. Linzing second goal of the night, came with only 39 second to go in the period  and just seconds after Mount Carmel had cut the Lions lead to 5-3. At the end of 2 periods the Lions held a commanding lead 6-3.

The only scoring in the third was a power-play goal netted by Mount Carmel midway thru the period. The final, Saint Viator 6 Mount Carmel 4.

Top Performers/Scorers: Jeremy Linzing (2 G), Rickey Gattone ( 1 G, 1 A), Brian Keefe ( 1 G, 1A).

Quote from the Coach: "The game was like a track meet, it went from one end of the ice to the other in a hurry. Linzing's second goal was critical, it gave us a cushion going into the 3rd period."

October 4, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Providence

Current Team Record: 4-0-1

The Saint Viator Varsity Hockey team defeated Providence at Southwest Ice Arena on Sunday in dramatic fashion with an overtime win  3-2.

Brian Keefe would get his first of two with about a minute to play in the first but Providence answered right back just 30 seconds later with one of their own, and the game was tied at the end of the 1st period. Christian DiVito gave Saint Viator the lead at the 4:15 mark of the second, as he walked out of the left corner and fired a snapshot past the Providence goalie.

Late in the 2nd period, Providence was given a 5 on 3 man advantage. Lions goalie, Robert Schmidt made a number of nice saves before Providence eventually was able to capitalize and score the tying goal.

The third period was scoreless with the Lions out shooting Providence 14-4 in the period.

To start the overtime the Lions were given a power play and Brian Keefe would end the game just 18 seconds into overtime with his second of the night with a laser beam shot that the Providence goalie could not react to.

The Lions have now pushed their record to 4-0-1 and 2-0 in Catholic league play. Next up is Mount Carmel this Thursday.

Top performers: Brian Keefe 2 goals, Christian DiVito 1 goal, Michael Obenauf defense, and Robert Schmidt in goal.

Quote from Coach: "It was a typical Catholic League game, hard hitting, low scoring, with each teams trading opportunity. Keefe's last shot, the winner was a rocket, he played great all day".

September 30, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Prairie Ridge

Current Team Record: 2-0-1

The Varsity Hockey team was tied by Prairie Ridge 2-2 in a non-conference rematch game. The Lions trailed 1-0 going into the third period. Brian Keefe changed with a power play goal 7 minutes into the 3rd period. Dominic Zanfardino gave Saint Viator the lead with a wrap around goal with 4:52 seconds to play.

Unfortunately, the Lions could not hold the lead. Prairie Ridge with under a minute to play, pulled their goalie in favor of an extra attacker. The plan worked as Clarke Carpenter fired a one timer past the Lions Robert Schmidt for the equalizer. Saint Viator opens up CCHL play tonight at 7:00 pm at the Hoffman Estates ice rink.

Top Performers/Scorers: Dante Koeppen made 17 saves and did not allow a goal.

Quote from the Coach: "Tough tie, especially when we fought so hard to get a lead"

September 27, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Benet Academy

Current Team Record: 2-0-0

The varsity hockey team defeated Benet Academy Sunday night 5-3. The Lions jumped out to a 2-0 1st period lead on goals from Pat Windle and Dominic Zanfardino. Benet would withstand the constant Saint Viator attack and in the second period scored 3 unanswered goal to lead 3-2 going into the 3rd period.

Saint Viator had 3 goals disallowed which intensified the situation, but John Scully tied the game early in the 3rd period at 3. Michael Obenauf made the play of the game as he took the puck from his own end of the ice, weaved through most of the Benet's defense and beat their goalie with 1:51 remaining on the clock. Scully then took the center ice face-off and 7 seconds after Obenauf goal found the back of the net to close out the scoring.

Next up is a rematch with Prairie Ridge Wednesday at 9 pm at the Leafs Center. The Lions then open up CCHL play against Notre Dame at home Thursday night at 7 pm at Hoffman Estates.

Top Performers/Scorers: Michael Obenauf, Jeremy Linzing, Pat Windle, John Scully, Brian Keefe and Dominic Zanfardino had outstanding games.

Quote from the Coach: "We showed some character by not giving in to some frustration with goals being disallowed and missing some great chances, Scully's first goal relaxed us and Obenauf's goal was special."

September 20, 2009
Saint Viator vs. Prairie Ridge Wolves

Current Team Record: 1-0-0

The Saint Viator varsity hockey team opened the 2009/2010 hockey season with a win at Prairie Ridge Sunday. Goal scorers were Senior Pat Windle, Ricky Gattone and Adam Skinner who each scored once while John Scully added two. Next up for the Lions is Bennet on September 27, at 6:00 pm at Seven Bridges Ice Arena.

Top Performers/Scorers: Goalies Dante Koeppen and Robert Schmidt were terrific in goal.

Quote from the Coach: "Prairie Ridge is one of the top teams in the area, and to get a win on their ice is a nice start".