This weekend, CMA Varsity A and Varsity B Hockey competed in the ISHSHA state play-downs. Varsity A competed in the 4A division and Varsity B in 2A.
Varsity A managed victories in all three of the weekend's games, earning them a spot in the ISHSHA 4A state championship game against Zionsville High School on Saturday, March 9th at the Midwest Ice Arena in Dyer, IN (10600 White Oak Ave, Dyer, IN 46311). The puck is set to drop at 7:30pm EST, 6:30 CST.
The squad toppled the competition, managing to score 14 goals over three games and allowing only two. They opened play Friday night against Lakeshore St. Joseph (MI), winning 5-1, and following up on Saturday with a shut-out victory over Penn High School, 5-0. Those wins earned to group a berth into the semi-final round, during which they claimed a 4-1 victory over South Bend Adams.
The team managed to earn more than a trip to the state championship, however, as team member Sam Lucchese '19 (Elkhart, IN) was awarded the ISHSHA's Robert Gillikin Mental Attitude Award (photo below). The award was established in 1991 in honor of Robert Gillikin of Columbus, IN. It is given to the player that has the best dedication and sportsmanship for the entire state of Indiana hockey and has the "Best Mental Attitude."
"Sam very much earned this award," said head coach Jeff Badalich. "He has consistently displayed positive energy and attitude in our program through the years, and we've come to depend on his great demeanor both on and off the ice. We are very proud of him," he added.
Lucchese is the third CMA Hockey player in program history to be given the award.
Zionsville and CMA Varsity A recently had the opportunity to get acquainted, taking each other on February 22 and 23. On the 22nd, Varsity A traveled to Zionsville and recorded a 2-2 tie. On the 23rd, Zionsville traveled to the Henderson Ice Arena for what would be CMA's senior night (title photo). The Culver Eagles were prepared to play, and earned themselves a 5-1 victory.
CMA Varsity A enters the contest 23-8-3 on the year, and Zionsville comes in 34-13-1.
After falling to South Bend Riley in Friday's first-round (3-1), Varsity B bounced back on Saturday to win their next two games against Leo (3-2) and Bishop Noll (4-1) to stay alive in the double-elimination event. The come back earned the group advancement to the semi-finals against Brebeuf on Sunday. Despite the momentum they built on Saturday, it wasn't enough to hold off a strong Brebeuf team. Varsity B fell 5-1 in the semi-final round, which concluded their season. They finish the year 13-12-1.
