On January 12th, St. Dominic varsity hockey celebrated their seniors with senior night at the Rec-Plex. They finished up their last home game this season with a record of 7-7-4 making them third in their division. They tied their senior night game with a score of 2-2, they have two games remaining in the season. With seniors defenseman Brody Yates, Niko Bezzole, Hayden Sweeso, forwards Karsten Goertz, Lem Hossenlopp and goalie Aaron Tinker all being celebrated pre-game.
Defenseman, Zach Guinn, pulled the weight of the Crusaders offense by scoring two great wrist shots, the final one being on the power play. He helped the Crusaders stay neck and neck all game. Guinn has been consistent all season with his dominant performances throughout the year, bringing explosive hits to the other team and being that scoring threat also. He has been a great two-way player all season, while also being a good leader going into his senior season next year.
“It was amazing to perform well for the seniors, they all mean something to this team and to go out there and do that on our last home game means a lot to me,” junior Zach Guinn said
Next up, senior Aaron Tinker in net, saving 29 shots faced in the game. He has been a very consistent player for the Crusaders, bringing great saves to the team when most needed. Tinker does not attend St. Dominic but his leadership to the whole team is consistent with how he plays and how he shows to be a leader.
Goertz has been a dominant presence for the Crusaders this season and all the seasons he’s played for St. Dominic. His teammates and coaches will miss him as he pursues his future at Maryville University. He has been a relentless leader and role model for the entire team to follow over his years playing for the Crusaders.
“Playing for St. Dominic has meant a lot to me, being able to influence everyone around me has just always motivated me to play better and lead better,” senior Karsten Goertz said.
The Crusaders look to get the pace back up as the regular season concludes and the playoffs soon begin. Heading into the final stretch, the seniors enjoy the last couple of games and want to lead the Crusaders a ride to the championship. Next Monday night they play against Francis Howell Central and at Liberty Friday January 23rd. Show up and show out to these last games to support these seniors and the rest of the time as the regular season wraps up.
