The 5th-seeded Leo Lions faced off in the 2A state finals against the top-seeded, South Stars. In a fight that went to overtime, the South Stars had the one-timer from senior Ezra Deckard.

1st period

The first period ran through smoothly, taking about three minutes into the game of non-stop action before a whistle. Dylan Davis for the Lions had a nice breakaway about halfway through the period, but could not capitalize. In the relatively fast period, only one other notable event occurred on the scoresheet. Caden Austin in the black and purple scored backhand forehand to give Leo the edge heading into the second period.

2nd period

The Lions were first called for a trip and then Eli Augustine for the Stars got called to the box for elbowing Leo’s Alex Hendricks. Just as the Stars killed off their penalty, Joe Mullen scored between the glove and pad of Drew Baumert. At the end of two periods, Leo had 14 shots on net and the South Stars had 19.

3rd period

At 11:08, JJ Scott sent the puck to Weston Roth for a five-hole goal. Scott chucked it from the side wall and sent it to Roth who jammed the puck in beside Jack Preslin, the senior goaltender. More penalties would ensue, as Kruger for the South Stars was called for boarding Tyson Finefrock. Weston Roth would head to the box to make it a 4-on-4 for Interference. Tyson Finefrock would get a penalty of his own, sending the Lions into a 4-on-3 disadvantage. Coach Robison would take his timeout. The Lions had killed off all of their infractions and then would get another call of their own. Riley Murphy would head to the sin bin in a costly turn of events for hooking. The South Stars would tie it up on the power play, with 37.6 seconds left of regulation.

OT

The South Stars Red club would have three more shots in Overtime. Drew Baumert made some incredible saves in the third period and in the extra time. Ezra Deckard scored for the South Stars, sending a one-timer into the back of the net. Drew Baumert for the Leo Lions made 36 saves, some of which seemed bigger than the ones he made before. Jack Preslin made 18 saves in the Win.

1380’s Three Stars of The Game

1. Drew Baumert (36 Saves)
2. Ezra Deckard (GWG)
3. Weston Roth (Leo’s 2nd goal)

The Leo Lions showed that they deserve a spot in the State Finals. Their grit and their growth throughout the regular season and into the playoffs are something to be admired. Good luck to the seniors Aaron Amick, JJ Scott, and Weston Roth in all of their future endeavours!

This article was written by Fiona Quinn.