After a stretch of three appearances in the state championship game in four years, including a state title in 2015 and a double-overtime loss to Saint Ignatius in the 2018 final, the Knights of Toledo St. Francis regressed last season, failing to win the Sylvania District for the first time in five Years.

Chris Varga enters his eighth year behind the Knights’ bench with a career mark of 152-72-10 and a motivated group off a disappointing season. 

Early-season results are mixed but encouraging, including a 3-2 loss to Northview and splitting a pair of games for St. Edward.

“We have been dealing with injuries here at the start of the season,” said Varga.  “But have been playing hard. We hope to compete with the top teams in the Northwest Ohio District.”

While they may lack in size and experience, Varga sees the Knights’ team strengths as being speed, effort and playmaking ability. 

Senior Nick Coward will be the St. Francis team captain, junior Billy Dressel the alternate.

You can look for seniors Thomas Barrow, Dawson Booth and Hunter McKie to lead the team along with Coward.  Devon Homier, Luc Kuhr and Nick Mack are newcomers to keep an eye out for.

The St. Francis schedule is ambitious as always with trips to four different tournaments, including the always challenging Padua Christmas Tournament and a pair of trips to Michigan where Varga believes they will be facing some stiff competition.  There is also a head-to-head meeting with four-time defending state champions Saint Ignatius late in the season (February 14) which will serve as an excellent tune-up for the district tournament.

“We have one of the hardest schedules in the state of Ohio to hopefully prepare us for the playoffs in February,” said Varga.  

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest