The boys have won the Catholic Cup for the past four years in a row. Photo by Charlize A.
On Friday, December 21st, the Laser Nation garnered two phenomenal wins against the FJ Brennan Cardinals at the 25th annual Catholic Cup, also known as the Father Zakoor Cup. Both the boys and girls hockey teams put their best effort forward to make their school community proud and win. “It’s the first time there has ever been a clean Laser sweep. The [Cardinals] got plucked!” said Mr Kittl, the head coach of the girls hockey team.
The Lady Lasers started out the afternoon, and faced Brennan for the second time ever in this annual tradition’s history. Last year was the first time the girls hockey teams were able to participate and the Lasers narrowly lost to Brennan. This year, our girls were back with a vengeance. “We wanted it so bad,” said grade twelve team member, Zoe K.
The first two periods saw formidable defence from St. Joe’s, and it wasn’t until the third period that a goal was scored. The Lasers gained the first goal, scored by Jada Y., number 17, that was shortly followed by another point from number 4, Laura M. The Cardinals tried to catch up near the end of the period, but couldn't and the Lasers took home the coveted Catholic Cup. “It’s a great way to end the year,” said Jules D., another grade twelve player. Jules and Zoe are members of the original girls team that was started four years ago, and are proud to see how far the team has come.
The girls celebrate after winning the female Father Zakoor Cup for the first time ever. Photo by Eddie G.
The girls posing with their trophy after a 2-1 victory against Brennan Cardinals in the 2018 Father Zakoor Cup. Photo from @STJTWEET on Twitter.
The boys team then made their way onto the ice, met with loud cheers and a flurry of yellow and blue. St. Joe’s quickly took the lead, with Ethan M. scoring a goal within the first minute of play. Not long after, a penalty shot was scored by Brayden M., number 88, and the Lasers pulled further ahead. The period ended with a goal from Brennan followed by a third goal for St. Joe’s by number 14, Mitchell G.
Period 2 was just as exciting as the first, and the intensity reached a peak when Brennan scored, making them only one point behind the Lasers going into the third period.
The Lasers and Cardinals face off at the beginning of the game. Photo by Isabella A.
As the final period began, students were on the edge of their seats as they anxiously awaited the final outcome of the game. The Lasers held a strong dominance during the 3rd period, scoring 3 goals one after the other. The points were scored by Ethan M., Jaqwan S., and Brayden M., all making amazing and strategic plays. As the game neared its end, it was clear that the Lasers were going to be taking a well-earned win, and the crowd erupted into cheers and chants. “I thought it was pretty awesome," said Brayden M., who scored a hat trick during the game. "This is definitely the way I would want to end [my high school career].” Brayden is in grade twelve but is considering coming back for a fifth year.
After the game had finished, the afternoon ended with the team gathering on the ice for a photo with the prestigious cup, while fans cheered loudly behind them.
This 25th Catholic Cup was a display of pride and athleticism from both teams, and most of all, the power and support of the St Joseph's Lasers community.
Congratulations to both Laser teams for their wins! Make sure to come to next year’s game as St. Joe’s defends the trophy and attempts to win the Cup for a fifth year!