FHS hockey finishes Holly Daze with victory

Findlay High School hockey capped off the annual Holly Daze Tournament in style, winning a physical and defensive game against Cleveland Benedictine, 3-1, at The Cube. Another sluggish start to the first period by the Trojans left them behind. Benedictine controlled play throughout the first five minutes. The Bengals were able to break through first on the scoreboard at the 9:25 mark of the first period. Ahmad Best was able to finish off a rebound to score, with assists from Ben Trombetto and Luke Dixon. Two minutes later, Findlay was able to capitalize off a turnover to even the score at 1-1, with Nate Riegle scoring off an assist to Mason Greenawalt. The Trojans' undisciplined play showed its head in the second period where Findlay racked up 4 penalties. Findlay's defensive effort led by freshman Draven Wilson, who came up big to shut down all the Benedictine power plays. "I'm feeling more and more confident out there with each game," Wilson said. "I'm putting my body on the line for the team and when I'm blocking those shots, it pumps up me and the team when they see my effort on the ice." The Trojans scored with 7:15 left in the second period with Ethan Lammers scoring off an assist from Kellen Wetz, giving Findlay a 2-1 lead. In the third period, Findlay turned up that offensive intensity and out-shot Benedictine 11-6. Another goal with 10:15 left in the third period sealed the deal for the Trojans. Greenawalt scored with Ross Trenkamp and Kellen Wetz (2) getting credit for the assists. Seth Russell had 16 saves in goal for Findlay and Michael Pelc finished with 21 saves for the Bengals. Findlay coach Ben Patey talked about Draven Wilson's performance after the game. "He is a grinder, he won that award tonight for a reason, he works his tail off and is strong both offensively and defensively," Patey said. "His back-checking is phenomenal and the team can always count on his effort." The Trojans (11-6-0) finished the week off with a 3-1-0 record and finished the tournament third overall behind champion Cincinnati Moeller and runner-up Bowling Green. Perrysburg would end fourth overall in the standings. Findlay will be back in league action at home Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. against Perrysburg. 3 stars of the game: · Third Star: Findlay Mason Greenawalt 1 Goal 1 Assist · Second Star: Findlay Seth Russell 16 Saves · First Star: Findlay Draven Wilson 6 Blocks and 8 Takeaway