Alex Hoyen ’17
With one of the most respected ice hockey programs in Ohio, reaching the final four 11 times and winning state titles in 2003 and 2009, University School has grown more accustomed to strong seasons year in and year out. Coming off a heartbreaking loss in the 2015 state semifinals, the hockey team is trying to find its way back to Columbus, but leave with a nice gleaming trophy this time around. Everyone should go and spectate this superb squad for an entertaining evening and to support the players on the ice.
As the season is already more than half way over, it is more appropriate for an update, rather than an introduction to this year’s squad. Ranked 4th in the state, and 2nd in the Great Lakes Hockey League (GLHL) the 2015-2016 team in no way lacks the firepower of winning a state title, averaging just over 4 goals a game. The team boasts two of the GLHL’s top scoring forwards in Senior Ryan Gorbett and Junior J.D. Clemens, and the number two scoring defenseman in Senior Zach Goetsch.
Coming into the season, the team’s ability to score was not in question as much as its defensive ability. Senior defenders Zach Goetsch and Will Lehman were selected as “players to watch” in the GLHL. Additionally, standout senior goaltender Alec Silver has answered the tough call, putting up the third best save percentage in the GLHL at .923 percent.
In spite of these strong numbers, US has been through a very up and down season. A 4-loss start at Shady Side Academy’s Thanksgiving Tournament was of course not the best way to kick the year off. The next weekend, however, the Preppers stepped their game up, finishing second at the National Invitational Showcase in New York. A week later, US won the Eagle Classic for the 3rd year in a row.
Tough losses then came at the hands of St. Francis and St. Ignatius, the number one and two teams in the state, respectively.
The greatest highlight of the season, however, came against St. Edward on January 23rd. For Senior Night the Preppers showcased their mantra of quick puck movement and that anyone can score. In front of a lively home crowd, US walked away with a dominant 3-0 win. Silver posted a shutout as he stopped all 29 shots he faced. Ryan Gorbett scored a goal and tagged on a pair of assists, en route to breaking the points record for the GLHL. Junior Tommy Nook scored his first goal of the season, and J.D. Clemens put the game away with a score late. The puck movement was crisp, the shots were well selected and very accurate, and the physical for-checking was the best it has been all season.
Although the season has been a bit of an up an down ride, the team has shown some consistency as of late, winning 8 of its last 10 games. There is no doubt if this high octane and high energy play, continues US will be the team to beat.