Newark, Del. — Led by a goal and two assists from J.P. Ahearn, the Cardinal O’Hara Lions (8-1-1) turned in a dominating effort to shut out Salesianum (5-6-1), 4-0, in Inter-County Scholastic Hockey League action on Monday night (Jan. 14) at the Patriot Ice Center.
Ahearn, typically a looming net-front threat, proved a force in the face-off circle on Monday as well, setting up the first O’Hara goal — a Jeremy Garvey wrist shot from the top of the zone — by way of a face-off win 7:13 into the opening period. The Lions maintained a constant presence in the Salesianum zone for nearly the entire first ten minutes of the game, when Ryan Seibert was called for holding. The O’Hara penalty-killing unit held their own as well, keeping Salesianum scoreless despite three man-advantage opportunities.
O’Hara extended their lead through an 18-shot second period, with Ahearn having a hand in two of the Lions’ three further tallies. With Salesianum sophomore Cam Bergeman serving a cross-checking minor just past the midpoint of the frame, Ahearn had ample space to connect on a snipe from the top of the right circle at 9:40 and double the Lions’ lead. Hard work in front of the crease led to O’Hara’s subsequent goals, as Dan Barrett connected off a rebound at 13:36 and Zac Deemer fired the puck past Salesianum goalie Graham Burke following a pad save on Ahearn 40 seconds later.
After being limited to two quality scoring chances on 12 shots through the first two periods and struggling to maintain momentum into the O’Hara zone throughout the game, Salesianum was held to just two shots in the entire third period.
Troy Percival (5-1-1) earned a 14-save shutout in net for the Lions, while Burke saved 30 of 34 shots faced in defeat. Jacob Pohlig added two assists for Cardinal O’Hara.
Salesianum returns to action on Friday (Jan. 18), when they take on Delaware Military Academy at the Patriot Ice Center. Live coverage on Delaware Hockey Night Radio begins at 6:15 p.m.
