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Dublin Jerome to Represent Columbus at State Final

By Kyle Kelly, 03/08/19, 7:00PM EST

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Celtics top US in overtime

COLUMBUS --- At the 5:12 mark of overtime in the state semifinals, Dublin Jerome senior Nick Augenstein weaved through a pair of University School defenders, scoring five-hole on Preppers goalie Critter Coughlin, giving Jerome a 3-2 win and clinching the first state championship berth in program history for the Celtics.  It is also the first berth by Columbus District team in the history of the OHSAA State Hockey Tournament.

As the third period rolled around, the game was tied at two goals apiece. Both teams showcased strong play on the offensive end and had prime scoring chances, but getting one to fall was the difficult part.

The Preppers nearly found the back of the net twice at the nine- and eight-minute marks of the third period, and Dublin Jerome had their fair share of chances, but not one would get by the respective goaltenders. The third period ultimately featured 15 shots, with Coughlin and Jerome’s Mark Bishopp saving every one of them by standing tall in goal for their respective teams.

Augenstein finally came through in sudden-death.

“I was just trying to score one to end the game to get us to the state championship tomorrow. We are going to go out tomorrow and try and get another win,” he said.

Dublin Jerome will face three-time defending state champion St. Ignatius Wildcats at 11:00 A.M.

The meaning of clinching the first state championship game in program history rang true to the core for head coach Pat Murphy.

When asked if he could put it into words, “No, I cannot put it into words. What can I say? It has never happened before. One goal. After the disappointment.”

As Murphy fought back tears, senior Ryan Jenkins spoke for his coach. “I do not think anyone can put into words how hard the last 16 years have been. I am just thankful. We have been saying since the summer that this group is going to be the one to do it.”

It took a while for both teams to settle in to the atmosphere at Nationwide Arena where a crowd of approximately 1,400 fans were on hand. After just nine total shots combined between both teams, Dublin Jerome cracked the scoreboard first. From the left side, senior Trent Belli made a fantastic move on University School defenseman senior Jack Barrow. Trailing the play was sophomore Joel Kunzelman, finding the back of the net on a pass from Belli to make the score 1-0.

“Our start was slow. It was not the fastest start. I think it was huge. It gave us a huge boost at the beginning,” Belli said on his goal.

In the concluding minutes of the opening period, University School had a few scoring opportunities, but Dublin Jerome senior goaltender Mark Bishopp stopped each Peppers scoring chance, compiling six saves. The Celtics took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at the end of the first period.

University School came out in full force to start the second period. Just 35 seconds in, Dublin Jerome junior Avery Mlicki was called for a head contact penalty putting the Preppers on the powerplay. The Celtics effectively killed off the penalty, coming at the sacrifice of their top goal scorer, Belli.

Belli was attended to by the medical staff with seconds remaining on the man advantage. He was taken to the locker room and absent for the entire second period with an upper body injury. He eventually would come back for the third and fourth periods.

“Trent is obviously one of our key offensive players and leaders. He is our leading scorer. I thought we were taken back. When you hear him yell, you know he is hurt,” said Murphy. “Luckily he was able to get back in there. You are always concerned that he can get hurt again but when the trainers tell ya, he's good … I don't know? Are you keeping him off the ice?”

Despite losing their top scorer for the second period, Dublin Jerome was able to add their second goal of the morning at the 7:42 mark of the second period. Senior Evan Shea found the back of the net off a rebound from a strong shot from the point by junior defenseman Nolan Kunzelman.

Moments later, Shea was then called for head contact putting the Preppers on the power play for the second time of the day. With a man short, Dublin Jerome killed off the penalty. Although, a zero on the scoreboard would not remain for long for University School

Much like the opening minutes of the second period, the Preppers attacked on the offensive end in the final minutes of the period with two goals in the matter of 39 seconds. Sophomore John Pape scored the first one from the slot off a pass from junior Will Lvovich. Then, at the 3:08 mark, senior Henry Saada evened the score at two goals apiece.

University School head coach Andy Gerow felt the second period was pivotal for his team. “That is something that we have talked about all season. Up five, down five, tie game, we play our hockey,” he said. “We keep chipping away at it. Something this team has done all throughout the playoffs. They don’t flinch and they came back. Pape had a big goal there. Saada stepped up and tied the game going into the second period.”

At the end of the second period, University School held a slight 14-13 advantage on shots on goal. After a scoreless third period, they held the 22-20 advantage in shots but Bishopp continued to stay tall. He finished the game by making nine saves for his team.,

After 20:55 of scoreless play, Augenstein finally broke the ice, justifying the biggest goal in program history by celebrating towards a well-represented Dublin Jerome student section.

Dublin Jerome has a tall-task ahead as they will battle the St. Ignatius Wildcats team but they are up for the challenge. Murphy told reporters after the game that, “We have unfinished business.”

 

--- Kyle Kelly for Ohio Hockey Digest