On November 21st, the Lions had their first game of the year, home against Holy Angels. At the end of the first period, the Lions went ahead (1-0) when Matt Rastetter ’14 scored the first goal of the season. Holy Angles fired back and ended up winning (4-1).
Holy Angles is a 2AA school, so the Lions wouldn’t come across a school this size in sections or state. Nick Pruden had a strong opening game with 47 saves for the night, where Holy Angles only had to defend PA’s 13 shots on goal. This is a positive for PA, having a high save percentage, and a high goals against average. This means that even though PA didn’t get many shots on goal, the percentage they go in is high.
There are multiple reasons to be positive for this upcoming season. The team will be entering into a new section, for one.
“I’m really excited to see how we do in our new section,” said co-captain Matt Murphy ‘14. “Looking at the team in it, we have a legitimate shot at the state tourney.”
Additionally, younger talent will be joining the team.
“The team is looking young but solid this year,” co-captain Jack McGeehan ‘14 said. “I love the job our association did to get new players in the program, and it will pay off huge for us this year.”
Murphy says he is most excited to welcome Ben Sellman ‘17, Wyatt Thole ‘17, and Zach Tarczon ‘16 to the team.
Murphy and McGeehan are serving as co-captains. Forward McGeehan scored 23 points last season and forward/defenseman Murphy scored 19. Forward Matt Rastetter ‘14, defenseman Joe Kenney ‘14, forward Cameron Murto ’14, center Jack Reschenberg ’14 and goaltender Nick Pruden ‘33 are the squad’s other seniors.
Last year, the boys concluded the season with a 14-11 record. The last game was a section loss to Breck high school. The Lions will have an opportunity for revenge as they take on Breck December third at the Plymouth Ice Center.
“My goal for this season is to become a family like no other, to make it to the state tournament, and to bring a new appreciation for Lions Pride Hockey,” McGeehan said.