photo: @Northshorepx

The St. Edward Eagles ousted the Upper Arlington Golden Bears, 3-0, at OhioHealth Ice Haus on Saturday to advance to Sunday’s state championship game. 

St. Edward had some golden scoring opportunities, but could not capitalize during a scoreless first period.  

In the second period, the Golden Bears had a power play at 12:15.  In the final 10 seconds of their power play, St. Edward forward Jack O’Sullivan intercepted a pass and scored on a breakaway.  After the shorthand goal from St. Edward, the score stood 1-0 for nine more minutes.  With 45 seconds left in the second period, St. Edward forward Jack Mansour scored with assists coming from Lucas Newton and Hayden Payne.  

In the third period, Upper Arlington Golden Bears had a power play to try to cut the lead in half, but the Eagles stood tall and killed the power play.  Upper Arlington had many chances in the third period, but the St. Edward defense and goalkeeper Ethan Payne kept denying their scoring chances. He finished with 19 saves. 

When asked about the third period, O’Sullivan said, “I’m really proud of the way we pulled through and our goalkeeper, Ethan Payne.” 

With 1:13 remaining, the Eagles sealed the victory with an empty net goal from Lucas Newton, assisted by O’Sullivan.  

St. Edward will take on Toledo St. Francis on Sunday morning for the Ohio High School Athletic Association championship.

--- Diego Palko for Ohio Hockey Digest