This past weekend, the Cathedral Prep hockey team competed in the National Invitational Scholastic Showcase hockey tournament in Notre Dame, Indiana. The prestigious 16-team tournament was held at the University of Notre Dame’s hockey facility, Compton Family Ice Arena. 

After a morning practice on Friday, the Ramblers took on DeMatha Catholic High School from Maryland, falling in a hard fought 3-2 game. Despite the tough loss on Friday night, Prep bounced back on Saturday morning beating Illinois high school team, Buffalo Grove, 4-0. Prep was led by a hat trick from junior forward Jacob Kruszewski and a shutout from junior goaltender Seth Faulkner. The Ramblers finished their tournament on Saturday night against Zionsville High School from Indiana. After three periods and an overtime period of well-matched play from both sides, Prep eventually fell in a 3-2 shootout loss. Despite a couple of hard fought losses, the members of the Cathedral Prep hockey team were very excited to have the chance to play at the University of Notre Dame against great competition. Senior defenseman Garrett Sample reflected on the trip by saying, “It was a unique experience in which we got to use the facilities and see the campus of Notre Dame, along with playing some quality hockey.”

The tournament this weekend marks the last of the Ramblers non-league games for the season, with only 4 PIHL games remaining before the postseason begins. They’ll look to gain some momentum this week when they begin their final playoff push on Thursday, hosting Bethel Park High School on Thursday at Mercyhurst Ice Rink.