The Saturday night matchup between Xaverian and St. John’s Shrewsbury was a back and forth matchup where both teams had chanced to win the game up until the final horn. In goal for Xaverian was junior Kyle Harvey and for St. John’s it was Ryan Dailida of Shrewsbury. Let’s see how this one played out.

The first period featured back and forth action from both teams. St. John’s had some of their best offensive pressure in the first period, but they did not see any results on the scoreboard. Xaverian took the lone penalty in the period, but killed it off without any harm done. After one period, we were still scoreless.

The second period was much different that the first, as Xaverian took control with physicality and offensive zone pressure. The games first goal was almost captured as Matt Ryan flew down the wing on a two on one and rang the far post with a laser of a shot. It didn’t take too much time after that for the game to be opened up. Jack Silva flew down the same wing Matt Ryan had his chance from, only now the end result was different. Silva rang the post, but this time it went in for the games first goal. Ryan Dailida stood on his head for the rest of the period and kept it at a one-score game going into the third.

St. John’s came out flying to start the third as they tried to tie the game up. They had multiple scrambles in front of Harvey’s net that resulted in shots wide of the net. It truly seemed like St. John’s was going to tie this game up, until they took a penalty halting their momentum. The Xaverian powerplay went to work and cashed in as a shot from Matt Ryan deflected off of Stefano Lanci’s shin guard and into the net, putting Xaverian up two goals late. St. John’s continued to pressure, but this one was over after Ryan Pomposelli iced it with the empty netter. Kyle Harvey recorded the shutout in net for Xaverian.

Moving forward:

Xaverian: The Hawks can set their eyes on a Super 8 appearance if they keep up this play. With a record of 10-4-4, it would be hard for the committee to keep them out with some of their impressive wins. If they can continue to get solid performances in goal as well as stellar play from Matt Ryan and Ryan Pomposelli, this team should be a solid playoff team.

St. John’s (S):

Now with a record of 7-7-4, St. John’s can basically say goodbye to Super 8 hopes and look to secure a playoff spot in the D1 North tournament. It will not be easy to get in, as they will need to win more than they lose down the stretch.