Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy will head into the 2019-2020 with a familiar face behind the bench as head coach Doug Fairchild returns for his 12th season at the helm of the Royals.

CVCA won 22 games a year ago (22-9-0), finishing second in the Blue North division of the GCHSHL and capturing their second Baron Cup championship in three years with a 2-1 win over Parma in the championship game. They move up a level and join the White South this season with eight seniors returning, led by Jack Perrotta (24-35-59).

Fairchild has some impressive younger players to work with as well, starting with junior defenseman Gabe Dearden (18-20-38), and a pair of forwards who scored 15 goals as freshmen last season: Luke Perrotta (15-22-37) and Jack Lammilein (15-11-26).

These key players collectively have the tall task in trying to replace Christian Beckett and his 69 goal – 35 assist campaign that lead the team last season.

Junior goaltender J.T. Nichols returns as well with his 2.97 GAA and .867 save percentage.

CVCA also welcomes in five new freshmen to join the team as they will look to contribute right away.

The Royals have just one win through their first six games, but luckily that came in a league contest against Canfield (6-1).  They will try to build momentum as they get into the meat of the league schedule and also as they prepare to host their annual Holiday Tournament over Christmas Break and defend their title at that event.

The Royals will also play a game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 3rd against the Westlake Demons. The last tournament before postseason play will have the Royals competing in the Parma MLK Tournament.

The schedule is set up for some interesting games and moving up a division brings better competition. If all things go well, CVCA will make another Baron Cup run – this time in the White Division.

--- Thomas Liegl for Ohio Hockey Digest