Ice Hockey News and Notes

The Calvert Hall Cardinals will battle the Mount St. Joseph Gaels tonight for the top spot in the MIAA A Conference. (Zachary Harrison)

By: Luke Jackson

GAELS, CARDINALS BATTLE FOR TOP
Jake Natoli registered a team-high five points in a recent stretch of games to help lead the Mount St. Joseph ice hockey team into contention for the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference.

Natoli had a team-high total of four goals against DeMatha, Calvert Hall and Georgetown Prep, a stretch of games in which the Gaels went 1-1-1. Natoli added an assist during these games to finish with five points and spark the Gaels' offense.

Tim Riley supported Natoli well during these games with three assists, as did Andy McCrumb (two goals) and Drew Wickliffe (two assists).

The Gaels are 7-2-4 overall, and 3-0-3 in the A Conference, good for nine conference points. Mount St. Joe has scored 61 goals throughout the season, averaging nearly five goals per game, getting good production on a consistent basis.

Mount St. Joe will battle Calvert Hall today, which may ultimately decide who wins the A Conference. If the Gaels defeat the Cardinals, who are in first place with 10 conference points, they'd move past them into the top spot.

The two teams tied in both previous meetings this season.

Both Mount St. Joe and Calvert Hall will have two regular season conference games remaining after today's game.

GILMAN SLUMPING
The Gilman ice hockey team has lost six straight games after a 22-4 win over Indian Creek Dec. 13.

Gilman has been outscored, 40-19, during the slide. Five of the losses were against conference foes.

The Greyhounds are 2-8-1 overall and 2-6-0 in the MIAA A Conference, good for four conference points.

They need to play better defense and find some timely offense to help stop the skid.