Celtics Top Knights in Jr. Hockey
By Larry Moko
The Bishop Ryan Celtics seem to be rounding into form after a sluggish start to their Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic junior high school hockey season.
Bishop Ryan, 0-2 to begin the schedule, qualified for the Final Four by defeating the St. Thomas More Knights, 8-2, at LIUNA 4 Ice Centre Wednesday.
The other quarter-final -- held simultaneously at an adjoining rink -- saw the Bishop Tonnos Titans top the St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves, 7-1.
Semifinal games on April 27 will feature the following matchups: Bishop Ryan against the St. John Henry Newman Cardinals and Bishop Tonnos versus the St. Mary Crusaders.
St. Mary and Newman earned opening-round playoff byes for finishing first and second, respectively, in the standings.
Bishop Ryan is the league's two-time defending champion.
"It was a longer road this year than we wanted, obviously," BR coach Justin Cannon said. "But for the last four games I think we've been playing well. We have a lot of Grade 9s. It's a little different getting them into the swing of things and playing as a team. They're working hard, though, and buying into the system."
One of those first-year high school students -- forward Nolan Darch -- scored four goals in the victory over More.
Darch also played rep this season for the U15 AAA Hamilton Steel -- a squad that reached the OMHA semifinals before bowing out against Halton.
"I think we've really turned it around after losing our first couple of games," Darch said. "We've shown that we're one of the best teams.
"It's been really fun playing with all the guys and making new friends."
Cannon said Darch has made an impressive debut.
"He's a very smart player who is always in the right spot," the BR coach said. "He moves the puck and skates to the net well with great body positions.
"He's a good little hockey player. There are big things ahead for him."
In addition to Darch's scoring outburst, the Celtics got goals by Kristian Perusin, Jake Debski, Henry Barrett and Austin Black.
Adriano Porco and Ariyo Yari replied for the Knights.
In the other game, Fox Poirier, Mason Boyko, Pierce Morris, Ty Thompson, Jack Cathcart and C.J. Mendola handled the scoring for the fourth-place Titans (2-3) against the fifth-place Braves (1-4).
Brebeuf's lone goal in the second period was scored by Gavin Hunter.
"I'm really impressed with how the team played today," Tonnos coach Alyssa Berardocco said.
She was particularly pleased to see smiles on the faces of BT players and that almost all of them touched the puck during each shift.
"We're excited to advance to the semifinals," Berardocco added. "I hope we keep bringing positive energy to the bench and on the ice."
In St. Mary, Tonnos will be facing the league's only undefeated team.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page
