Article published April 02, 2009
WINTER REVIEW
Sidelines: NHC Red champ St. John’s skates to state runner-up finish
 

By ZACH SILKA BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Appearing in the state hockey championship game for the second time in three years, St. John’s Jesuit fell just short this time around.

After the Titans prevailed over Northview in double overtime in the district final and produced the most lopsided win in a state semifinal since 1996 in a 7-0 rout of Centerville, they lost to Hunting Valley University School 3-0 in the final at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

St. John’s became the first team from metro Toledo to win a state title in 2007, but couldn’t duplicate the feat against the Preppers, whom the Titans (27-9-3) went 1-1 against in the regular season.

Junior forward George Wilkinson proved to be a force for the Titans down the stretch, scoring two goals — including the game-winner — against Northview and a hat trick against Centerville.

Senior forward Ray Morris led St. John’s with 42 goals and was named the player of the year in the Northwest Hockey Conference Red Division, which the Titans won for the second time in three years.

Bedford won its fourth straight NHC White Division title under coach Randy Menchaca. The Mules were led by White Division player of the year Jesse Bachli.

Anthony Wayne and Fremont Ross split the NHC Blue Division crown for the second straight year. The Generals have either shared or won the division championship the last five years and were led once again by three-time Blue Division player of the year Zak Seipel.