The 15th-ranked SJR hockey team took a road trip to New England on December 8-9, squaring off against a pair of recent state champions in MA and RI. On Saturday, the Green Knights bested Lowell Catholic (2017 MA D2 state champs) in a fast-paced game at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. The team enjoyed dinner at the rink before watching BU defeat UMass Lowell in Hockey East action.
"Playing on the big rink at the Tsongas Center was my favorite part of the trip," said Brandon Kirchgessner '19. "To get the win was a bonus."
On Sunday, SJR was on the road early to celebrate mass with Rhode Island's top-ranked team Bishop Hendricken (2016, 2017 RI D1 state champ).
"I just thought it was so cool that they went to mass together," explained Anne Tuttle, mother of Ryan '19. "He had such a great time on the trip with his teammates.
After breaking bread together, the teams headed to the rink and, while the outcome was a loss, the experience was a win. Playing against top competition in New England and spending the weekend together was a unique experience for the team and will bear fruit as the season moves along.
"I'd give this trip a 10-out-of-10," added head coach Larry Mahurter '87. "The experience was tremendous for our team to play quality games early in the season and to spend the weekend together will pay dividends later in the year for us."
St. Joseph Regional is back in action on Thu, Dec. 13 against 12th-ranked St. John Vianney in Egan Conference play. Face-off is set for 8:00 p.m. at Sport-O-Rama.