The Spartan Hockey season has come to a close, and the team has finished with a 13-6-1 record, their best season since the Challenge Cup Final run in 2016.

To round off an excellent season, on Saturday, January 26th, they were triumphant against Howell North, seven goals to one.

Sophomore Owen Hurlbert recognized the crucial turning point in the first period.

“The real turning point was when we scored our third goal,” Hurlbert said. “when we got it we were up by three goals, which is the point where it is typically impossible to come back.”

sophomore Noah Hutchison recalled a bit of a shock within the team eight minutes into the third period when Jacob Sunderman from Howell North scored a goal.

“I mean, when they scored the first goal it was surprising,” Hutchison said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I thought we were just going to shut them out.”

Logan Oliver totaled up three goals (a hat trick) and two assists. Freshman Will Blumenburg explained why Oliver was able to have so much success.

“Logan had a huge impact on the game because he was constantly moving,” Blumenburg said. “He was always making sure that the other team wasn’t getting in our zone and keeping them out of dangerous positions”

Also with a big performance, backup goalie Curtis Gonz was called upon to replace starter Ethan Taplin. Under pressure, Gonz held the Knights to only one goal. Hurlbert had praise for Gonz, and recognized how vital his performance was to the lopsided outcome of the game.

“Our main goalie he was not allowed to play because he was on a club team, so our backup goalie played and he only let a one goal,” Hurlbert said. “He had twelve saves, which was pretty impressive.”

The playoffs will now begin for the Spartans, as they open up Wickenheiser cup play with a match against Lafayette Lancer Hockey on Friday, February 1st at the Rec-plex.  They will then face Fort Zumwalt South and Clayton. After these three games, the two out of those teams with best records will move on to the Wickenheiser Cup Tournament Bracket.

To see more about FHC Hockey, visit the MSCHA league website at: https://www.midstateshockey.us/