Following another state championship last season, the Saint Ignatius hockey team has not missed a beat.

The Wildcats have battled to an 11-4 record thus far, battling through injuries, setbacks, and steep competition. 

The Ice Cats have been rewarded for their efforts, as the first state poll of the 2016-17 season has the team firmly entrenched in first place. 

The state poll is filled with teams the Wildcats have played, and defeated. Toledo St. Francis stands at No. 2, after the men of Pat O'Rourke '90 won Sunday's showdown, 7-3, to win the Padua Holiday Tournament. 

The Ice Cats have also defeated No. 3 St. Edward, No. 5 Columbus St. Charles, No. 8 Walsh Jesuit, and No. 10 Findlay. The Wildcats are also scheduled to play No. 4 University School on January 7, and scrimmaged No. 9 Upper Arlington in the preseason. 

Below are the full poll results, courtesy of Coach O'Rourke and Joel Siegman of the Columbus Blue Jackets: 

1. Cleveland St. Ignatius                      90 (9)
2. Toledo St. Francis                            75
3. Lakewood St. Edward                      66
4. Hunting Valley University School     63
5. Columbus St. Charles                      58
6. Bowling Green                                 33
7. Shaker Heights                                29
8. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit          27
9. Upper Arlington                               19
10.  Findlay                                          13

Others receiving votes: Olentangy Liberty, Dublin Jerome, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy, Toledo St. Johns, Parma Heights Holy Name and Rocky River