Recent Varsity Ice Hockey Game recaps!

2/10/2025

The Gateway Gators are battling for a spot in the 2025 PIHL D2 Varsity Playoff Tournament.  Only the top 2 teams in each division along with 2 wildcard spots can qualify to make the playoffs.  The Gators find themselves in the last wildcard spot as they faced off against a division rival Ringgold Rams.  The 8-6-0-0 Rams are 3rd in the division and are ahead of the Gators in the standing and playoff race.  This game was extremely physical and close all the way to the end.  The Rams scored the game’s first goal, but Connor Olson scored ona pass from Beau Ritson and Connor Evans with just 32 seconds remaining in the 2nd period to tie it up.  While killing a penalty late in the 3rd period, Connor Evans setup Beau Ritson for the go ahead shorthanded goal to take the lead.  Ringgold responded immediately on the same powerplay to tie it back up at 2-2.  Both teams exchanged big hits and scoring chances the rest of the way with Gateway’s goalie, Dakota Montodoro shutting everything down.  Then with just 57 seconds remaining in the game, Connor Olson won an offensive zone faceoff straight to Connor Evans who fired a shot on the Rams netminder.  The opposing goalie made a great save, but in heroic fashion, Canyon Hines fired home the rebound to seal the 3 – 2 victory for the Gators.   With this win, the Gators not only moved up in the standings, but also moved into the first wild card spot.  With only 1 game remaining in the regular season, the Gators look to continue their 5 game winning streak and secure their first varsity playoff in over a decade.

2/3/2025

The 7-8-1-1 Gateway Gators looked to extend their win streak to 4 games as they faced off against the Wilmington Wildcats on Monday night.  The Gators soared to a 4-0 start with 2 goals from senior captain Connor Evans and goals by Canyon Hines and Beau Ritson. Connor Olson and Gavin Grant each scored in the 3rd to help solidify the 6-2 victory.  Tommy Tuskan, Parker Williams and Chance Wilson each earned an assists in the win.   Way to go boys!

1/27/2025

The  6-8-1-1 Gateway Gators faced off against the 8-8-0-0 Bishop Canevin Crusaders on Senior Rec night.  There were hundreds of fans in the arena to support the 10 seniors that will graduate at the end of the season (Connor Evans, Aiden Darazio, Brendan Luptak, Dakota Montedoro, Hayden Nadeau, Connor Olson, Ian Steiner, Tommy Tuskan IV, Jakob Williams and Parker Williams). The Gators did not disappoint the packed arena.  Gateway started off strong by scoring a barrage of goals in the first period.  Connor Evans, Beau Ritson and Gavin Grant each found the back of the net to give the Gators a 3-0 lead.  The Crusaders battled back in the 2nd period by scoring 3 goals, but the Gators responded with goals from Evans and Canyon Hines.  Connor Evans scored another 2 goals in the 3rd giving him 4 in the game along with 2 assists to help the Gators defeat Canevin 7-5.  Gateway has won 8 of their late 11 games and have moved into a playoff spot with the win!