For the varsity tournament, each round was a best-of-three series. The quarterfinals were nail-biting, as after splitting the first two games, SLUH and Seckman went to the 10-minute mini game. But after ten minutes, the mini game was tied, so it went to overtime. However, it only took a few minutes into overtime for the Jr. Bills to take the victory, though, as senior Trevor White scored the game-winning goal.

“It was scary,” said sophomore forward Andrew Zerega about the mini-game.

The Jr. Bills fell in the semifinals to Oakville in two games though, the team that would go on to win the championship.

The JV tournament was structured the same as the varsity, but instead of a three-game series, it was single-elimination, adding all the more pressure on every single moment. The squad fought hard and valiantly, proven by their four penalties (though not earned, some argued), but in the end was mercy-ruled by Rockwood, 12-2. Juniors Ryan MacDonald and Liam Gallagher netted the two Jr. Bill goals.

Freshman goaltender Andrew Bergman put in solid efforts for the Jr. Bills, and he showed his talent on the C-team as well.

“Andrew Bergman shines game after game in goal. Opposing coaches comment post-game how difficult it was to get the puck past him,” said coach David Richert.

The C-team fell in the quarterfinals of their tournament as well, but played a much closer and less chippier game than JV. They fell 7-5 to their season rivals, De Smet. Freshman Henry McIntyre played strongly, scoring SLUH’s first goal in the first half, and recording assists on later goals. Freshman Jake Buttice also scored two goals. Over the season, Buttice proved himself to be a valuable defenseman as well, even helping in goal.

“Jake Buttice ... is (a) three-way player for us (forward, defense, and goal) that provides the team a crafty puck handler; his accurate passing creates instant offense for us,” said Richert.

The season officially finished up on Wednesday night with its annual banquet. Head coach Tim O’Neil announced that he is moving on from coaching inline after 16 years of involvement. He said that with two children and a third on the way, he needed to take a break.

At the banquet, junior Christian Berger won the team MVP award. He played on varsity, scoring 30 goals and recording 28 assists.

Though the next season will not commence for another nine months, there has already been talk of a summer league. And with many talented freshmen and sophomores, things are looking up for the Jr. Bills.

“Win or lose, the players compete hard, play fair and enjoy the opportunity to represent SLUH to the league,” said Richert.