Benny Savarino posted an 18-save shutout as the Saint Ignatius Wildcats defended their title at the Padua Holiday Hockey Tournament with a 3-0 win over Sylvania Northview in Sunday afternoon’s championship game.

Saint Ignatius put 25 pucks on net through the first two periods, putting the puck past Northview netminder Mason Snyder three times. 

The two teams played through a scoreless and uneventful third period and Ignatius secured the title for the second year in a row.  Head coach Patrick O’Rourke no doubt hopes it sparks a similar run to last year, when the Wildcats started a 20-3-1 second half run and state championship at this same tournament.

Connor McGowan gave Savarino all of the support he would need with a first period goal.  Greg Langermeier, on the power play, and Michael McCaffrey added second period goals to put Saint Ignatius in the driver’s seat.

Despite falling short of the championship, it was a strong showing by Sylvania Northview, which carried a six-game winning streak into the final.

Snyder made 27 saves in the game for Northview.

BOX SCORE