Apple Valley boys’ hockey managed to keep cool against heavy pressure from Eagan opposition in order secure a 1-0 victory.

The Eagles jumped to a lead in the first period at 12:03 when junior forward Mark Lombardi scored, assisted by sophomore forward/defense Corey Zuelow.  

“I saw that they were lining their wing up on the bottom of the circle and I took advantage of that,”  said Lombardi. “I saw an open puck and I took it and I took a shot.”

Eagan had no answer to the goal thanks to the stellar effort of senior goalie Ben Savard.  

“This game was his tonight. He won the game,” said head coach Chris Sikich. “He’s been the rock behind our defense all year.”

Even though Eagan kept heavy pressure on Apple Valley the whole time, outnumbering the boys in shots with a total of 38-23, none of the opportunities were converted.

The Wildcats struggled with penalties. They accumulated multiple minors as well as a major that happened in the third period, when an Eagan forward made contact to the head on Apple Valley senior Josh Daggett.

With this victory, the Eagles have clinched six already this year, which is more than last year’s entire season total. The results of improvement and development of players are showing.

“We’ve set the bar higher this year. It’s higher than they’ve expected to play at but they’re answering it,” Sikich said.

The Eagles look to keep it rolling for an away game on January 14th at 7 P.M. at Prior Lake.