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2020-2021 Hockey Season Preview

By Nathan Free '23, 11/11/20, 2:45PM EST

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The Wildcats prep for a full schedule loaded with tough competition

The Saint Ignatius Hockey schedule has been set and it is filled with many familiar foes and talented teams. The Wildcats are looking to build off the promising 2020 season cut short due to COVID-19, just before the squad competed in the state final four.

The Wildcats kick off the season with their home opener against St. Ignatius (IL) at OBM Ice Arena in Strongsville. The Cats won their last match-up back in 2019 and will want to start their new season off strong. The following weekend, the Cats will travel to Michigan to play the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep. The Cats won their last match-ups against both teams.

Saint Ignatius returns home the next week to play hometown rival Gilmour Academy. The Wildcats won their last match with the Lancers. The following day, the Cats will have a doubleheader against the 18U AA Pittsburgh Predators. Last season, the Cats beat the Predators in all of their contests. Then come two consecutive weekends in Pittsburgh: the first against Shady Side Academy and the second against the Predators.

Over the Christmas break, the Cats will host their home showcase against three teams to be announced at a later date, currently scheduled for Winterhurst Ice Arena in Lakewood.

The following Saturday, the Wildcats will face Bowling Green, getting the unique experience of playing at Bowling Green State University’s arena. The Cats won their last meeting with BG back in 2015. On Friday, January 8, Saint Ignatius faces longtime rival from Lakewood, St. Edward. The Wildcats won their last match-up with the Eagles in the 2020 District Final, 9-0, and their last regular season meeting as well. This season’s contest should be a good one.

The day after, the Cats will host Rochester United (MI). This will be the start to a home stand for the Cats as they will host another home showcase at Winterhurst the following weekend against three opponents to be announced later. The Wildcats end that home stand with back-to-back match-ups with the 18U AAA Pittsburgh Predators.

The Cats will head back up to Michighan to face off with Brother Rice (MI) and Detroit Catholic Central. The Wildcats dropped their last meetings with both opponents, but it is a new season.

Saint Ignatius will end the season against familiar foes Toledo St. Francis, Toledo St. John, and Sylvania Northview. The Cats have beaten all three teams when they last met and will be looking to use this momentum going into the OHSAA State Tournament.