One week after traveling to Madison, WI for a three-day hockey tournament, Oxford’s varsity hockey had another long road trip to face off against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard at Yost Ice Arena Dec. 4.
It was a hard-fought game, but Oxford managed to hold on for a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.
‘Ultimately, I think that is the strength of our team,? varsity head coach Dave Hague said. ‘Our top line has been our top line this year (and) our second, third and fourth lines have been scoring significantly as well.?
‘I think that is a sign of a deep team. We’re expecting a lot here as we get into the second half of the season,? he added.
Gabriel Richard led 1-0 midway through the first period before sophomore Cody Wright scored to tie the game.
Entering the second tied at one, the Wildcats scored back-to-back goals off the sticks of forward Jimmy Wallington and senior Chad Wicker. However, Gabriel Richard scored late in the second to trim Oxford’s lead to 3-2 by the end of the second period, and notched the first goal of the third period to tie the game at three.
Senior Nolan Chapman proved to be Oxford’s hero as he scored the game winning goal with six minutes left in the game.
Chapman finished the game with one goal and one assist, while senior Nick Hocker contributed two assists on the evening. Hague said he was pleased with his team’s effort and hard work despite not ‘being at their best.?
‘I think it’s been alot,? Hague admitted, noting the teams travel over break and school starting back up. ‘It wasn’t necessarily effort, we just didn’t seem to have legs. I think guys are working hard, but we were pretty sluggish.?
‘Fortunately we were able to squeak by and still get the win, so that was nice,? he added.