All Photos by Ray O'Connor Studios

On March 10th St Anthony’s hosted Kellenberg at the Dix Hills Ice Rink for the first ice hockey matchup in over 10 years. St Anthony’s entered the contest with an 0-2 record after falling to Chaminade twice in the first two games of the season. Kellenberg entered the match-up after a big victory over St Mary’s. In a shortened season, the Friars knew with just 3 games left on the schedule they had to make the most of it.

Forward #26 Ryan Sheflin ’21
Forward #82 Michael Kirschbaum ’21

After the first two losses to Chaminade, scoring had to be the focus. Only putting in 3 goals in the first two games was an issue and something St Anthony’s was looking to change. The Friars came out dominating play and getting a bunch of shots on net early. When SA’s Ryan Sheflin found Michael Kirschbaum in front of the net to give the Friars a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later Kellenberg’s senior defenseman Kevin Mahoney took a shot from the point which would tie up the game at one in the first period. Answered with a quick response from St Anthony’s senior assistant captain Michael Luzopone danced through the Firebird defense before dishing the puck cross crease to sophomore Jack Dlugos for his second career varsity goal. The short handed unit for the Friars also chipped in as Luzopone found fellow senior Luca Mandato to give the Friars a 3-1 lead with 32 seconds left in the first period. 

Sophomore Forward #28 Jack Dlugos

The first line of seniors Luca Mandato, Michael Luzopone and sophomore Jack Dlugos took control of this game as Kellenberg had no answer for them. Luzopone added a goal in the second period to extend the lead to 4-1. Luzopone said, “After a big first period we knew we had to keep our foot on the gas and we just kept applying pressure, when we work together good things happen”. The defense for St Anthony’s also stood steady led by senior Joe Opie and team captain Robert Lane. The Friars’ continued to take over in the second period dominating the play. Friar’ senior goaltender James Dann also played well, stopping multiple Firebird scoring opportunities. The period ended off by Mandato scoring a highlight reel goal going top shelf for his second goal of the game.

Defenseman #15 Joseph Opie ’21

St Anthony’s would outplay Kellenberg the rest of the way after putting on a stellar performance on both ends of the ice. The Friars would come away with a big 9-1 victory over Kellenberg showcasing some offensive fireworks. Senior forward Luca Mandato said “As a team I felt like we put a lot of pucks on net and when we had our good opportunities we put them in the net”. The Friars big goal scoring night gives them their first win of the season now putting their record at 1-2. The next game for St Anthony’s is March 24th at Dix Hills Ice Rink, where the Friars host the Iona Prep Gaels.

Goalie James Dunn ’21 lays-out to defend the Friars’ net

Jared Valluzzi is a Senior at St. Anthony’s; this is his fourth year writing for Friar news. He has earned his certificate from Hofstra’s program of Sports broadcasting and Journalism. He is the school’s first play-by-play broadcaster and he plays lacrosse for St. Anthony’s.