On Saturday, April 1, Saint Leo University’s Club Hockey team emerged victorious in their first inter-collegiate game, a 9-4 victory over the University of North Florida (UNF). The game was hosted at the AdventHealth Center Ice complex in Wesley Chapel, Fla., and was attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other members of the Saint Leo community, all of whom came to cheer on the Lions in this monumental game.

The evening was preceded with prayer – led by Saint Leo senior Mary Margaret Worhacz – and the singing of the national anthem – performed by Saint Leo junior Isa Riano. Dr. Edward Dadez, the university president, was also present during the opening ceremonies for the dropping of the first puck.

“Seeing the Student Section crowded with our Saint Leo Hockey t-shirts really helped us feed off the crowd’s energy during the game. We’re thrilled by the turnout and seeing all our supporters cheer us on is really something special for a brand new team” said James-Evan Gagliano, Saint Leo University 25’, VP of Saint Leo Club Hockey.

The Lions immediately leaped into action, scoring two goals within the first three minutes of the first period. The excitement continued into the second period, in which the Lions scored another two goals within the first two minutes. The UNF Ospreys, however, scored a point against the Lions shortly later, bringing the score to 4-1.

Both teams continued to successfully attack the goal, ending the second period at 6-2 with the Lions in the lead. Tensions were high running during the final period – a fight broke out on the ice shortly into the third period, leading to penalties against four Lions and three Ospreys.

The Lions scored another goal, bringing the score to 7-2; however, with less than five minutes to spare, the Ospreys countered with two rapidly succeeding goals, narrowing the gap between the two teams with a 7-4 score. The Lions, nonetheless, rallied, scoring two more goals before the close of the game, ending with a stellar 9-4 win.

The Saint Leo hockey club hopes to continue their streak with more intercollegiate victories in the future. More information about the team and about their spring schedule can be found via social media @saintleohockeyclub.

According to the team, there also are on-ice and off-ice opportunities to be part of the club. Email club president ">Jack.Prieto@email.saintleo.edu for more information.

Information about other athletics teams and upcoming games at Saint Leo can be found on the official athletics website at https://saintleolions.com/.Follow the Lions or reach out to the team on Facebook here or Instagram at @SaintLeoClubHockey. Two pictures were used courtesy of Ava Lahner and Maddie Melendez.