Santa Margarita Catholic High School Clinches Anaheim Ducks High School Ice Hockey Title!

In their inaugural ice hockey season the SMCHS Eagles Ice Hockey team has clinched the first ever Anaheim Ducks High School ice hockey title with a 3-2 victory over J. Serra Sunday afternoon at the Honda Center. In clinching the title the Eagles season record with J. Serra improved to 3-1-1, while improving their overall season record to 19-8-4. In addition to their first season successes within California the SMCHS Ice Hockey team also has won High School tournaments in Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona.

Head Coach Craig Johnson was quoted: “I’m so proud the kids on the team; they have worked hard, worked through injuries, and have been dedicated to the school and the success of the program. To accomplish what we have in our first season truly is remarkable”.

Sunday’s game, held at the Honda Center courtesy of the NHL Anaheim Ducks who help sponsor and promote both Santa Margarita and J. Serra High School Ice Hockey programs are excited about the successes of both teams and anticipate other High Schools following the lead of these two schools. Both schools fans who attended the game were treated to a fast paced, back and forth hard fought contest that was highlighted by excellent play from both teams. The Eagles scored first, Kayden Muzila knocking a lose puck in the net in the first period. J Serra answered shortly tying the score at one. The Eagles Muzila struck again scoring his second goal of the game late in the first, only to be answered again by J Serra as they tied the score to start the second.

Strong play by both goalies and defenses kept the game knotted at two until midway through the third period when Kyle Spierkle hammered home what ended up being the game winning goal. As time ran out The Eagles bench emptied, racing to goal tender Connor O’Brien who has played great all season to celebrate their victory. Assistant Coach Mitch O’Brien added: “All season long our fans have come out and supported us, the student body at Santa Margarita has embraced the team and their support certainly has helped us become the team we are today”. And as the Eagle players saluted the fans at Center Ice thanking them at the games conclusion by smacking the ice with their sticks, it was obvious they too appreciate the support and loyalty of their growing fan base.

In addition to the fans in attendance, the Honda Center staff, security and personnel who watched the game, commented on how good the game was, how talented the kids from both teams are and more importantly, how polite and respectful both teams were. A tribute to both schools, coaching staffs and athletes.

The final game in the Anaheim Ducks High School Ice Hockey series between Santa Margarita and J. Serra will be on February 6th at 5:20 at The Rinks in Anaheim.