Newark, Del. — After a 2-0 defeat of Delaware Military Academy earlier in the season, the Salesianum hockey team (9-8-1) broke a 2-2 tie in the third period to once again beat the Seahawks (11-7-0), this time by a score of 4-2, on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 21) at the Patriot Ice Center.
After both teams exchanged goals in the first period — Aidan Danese and Alex Maglio connecting for DMA; Dylan Johnson and Logan Downs for Salesianum — both sides battled through a scoreless second period. And while Salesianum’s defence kept DMA scoreless through 13 shots in the third period, they also made the most of limited opportunities ahead of the red line to edge clear of their in-state rivals.
Just 28 seconds into the third period, Johnson set up junior forward Ethan Scharp for Salesianum’s game-winning goal, with sophomore Johnny Lee sealing the 4-2 victory off a Jonathan Anthony assist with 8:48 remaining.
Graham Burke saved 28 of 30 shots faced in victory for Salesianum, while DMA goalie Anthony Guerrieri recorded but 13 saves on 17 shots.
By virtue of their victory, Salesianum clinched the third seed in the PCL division of the Inter-County Scholastic Hockey League, and will host sixth-seeded Archbishop Ryan in the first round of the PCL playoffs on Monday (Feb. 25). Game time from the Patriot Ice Center is 7:40 p.m.; full coverage will be available on Delaware Hockey Night Radio. Fourth-seeded DMA will take on fifth-seeded Roman Catholic in their Monday first-round matchup.
