Opening Weekend
Capital Hockey Conference 2007-08 Season
The St. Francis Desales Stallions Varsity Ice Hockey team opened league play this weekend for their second year as a Varsity program. What lied ahead was a tough slate with the Gahanna Lions on Friday, the Rival St. Charles on Saturday and the consensus #1 team in the league, Dublin Coffman on Sunday.
CHC Game 1: Third Meeting
DeSales knew exactly what was in store as the two teams had already met twice this season in non-conference play; once in the preseason and then again in the Midwest Thanksgiving Tournament. DeSales lost both games with a combined score of 15-6a better effort was needed to make the conference opener a game.
Last Season
To date, the DeSales record against Gahanna during the 2006-07 season was is 0-2-0 in regular season play. The Lions outscored the Stallions by 15 goals (1-7, 1-9) last season.
Rookie Gets On the Board Early
Desales started the game on a high effort and it resulted in an early 1-0 lead with forward, Dominic Locilento's (junior) unassisted goal.
Gahanna would make it 1-1 later in the first and then score early in the second to take a one goal lead (1-2).
 Desales continued their hard work to climb back in the game. Forward Ben Janszen (senior) scored late in the second to even the score and start the Lions worrying.
Midway through the third period Gahanna would pull ahead with what would turn out to be the game-winning goal.
A hard fought game that had the fans on edge until the end. The final at the horn was a 2-3 score in favor of the Gahanna Lions. Goaltender Joe Salerno (sophomore) had a big night stopping more than 30 shots as he continued to build on a strong Freshman Season.
Both teams shook hands knowing that they had to play one more time in early January.
IMPROVEMENT +++
A bargain-basement team a year ago it looked like Desales was ready to play at the high caliber of the CHC.
CHC Game Game 2: Rival Play
Desales would try to rebound the next night against their CHC rivals; the St. Charles Cardinals.
The Cardinals beat the Stallions during both of their meetings in the 2006-07 season; including their annual rivalry game (0-7). Columbus Catholic High School Hockey Cup
St. Charles is the only other catholic high school ice hockey team in the CHC. The winner of this early season match up would come away with an advantage going into their annual rivalry game for the Columbus Catholic High School Hockey Cup on Sunday, January 13th at the Chiller North.
Where Did It Go?
The grit and determination that the Stallions demonstrated the night before was missing and St. Charles was in control throughout the game. Desales was unable to sustain much pressure and ended with very few shots on net. The game ended with a 3-0 loss.
"No Goal for You!"
The Stallions have yet to score against St. Charles. There combined score is (0-14).
Home Opener Is Next
The Stallions home opener is Sunday, December 7 at the Chiller North. They face-off at 5:10PM against Dublin Coffman; the number one team in the CHC.
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