You know what I’ve been thinking? For the St. John’s Prep hockey program, there aren’t many tournaments more important than the Pete Frates Winter Classic.
Alternate uniforms included, Jake Vana called game against Pope Francis in the championship (1-0 final). I recommend watching the video on social media – Vana chipped the puck to himself, bolted for a breakaway, then tucked a forehand-backhand goal.
Of course, he hit both knees for his celebration – who could blame him?
Frates Most Valuable Player AJ Farese registered back-to-back shutouts in the tournament, one The Prep couldn’t have won without him.
The Eagles topped BC High to get to the title game. Brendan Powers scored his first career goal and – guess who – Vana potted the empty-netter in that one.
Add a trophy and a boatload of hockey hugs, and what a tournament it was for The Prep, led by all-tournament players in Vana and Farese.
Monday night, the Eagles didn’t stop, beating previously-undefeated Reading, 3-0, for their fifth consecutive victory.
Prep, I’d say that’s a good week.
