Game 30: Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Health Ice Haus, Sunday February 16, 2014, 5pm... OHSAA Columbus District Ice Hockey Tournament, Round Two
Talawanda v. Dublin Jerome
Jerome ended Talawanda's season, beating the Braves 6-1 in the second round of the state's district tournament in Columbus. Talawanda led at the end of the first period behind Sam Poetter's goal, on an assist from Kyle Tafelski at 6:41. But the second period turned in Jerome's favor, with the Celtics scoring four straight goals without an answer from the Braves. Jerome iced the game with two more goals in the third period for the final margin. Jack Spaulding faced 35 shots for the Braves in net, and the Braves could only manage 15 shots against Jerome's stingy defense. The Braves conclude their season with a final record of 18-11-1, and as Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League (SWOHSHL) South Division Champions.
Game 29: Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Health Ice Haus, Saturday February 15, 2014, 12:30pm... OHSAA Columbus District Ice Hockey Tournament, Round One
Talawanda v. Elder
In its opening District tournament game, the Braves handled Elder easily 11-1 at the Ice Haus in Columbus. The Braves jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson (2), Taylor Hamilton (2), and Graham Day. Elder scored early in the second period to make it 5-1, but Talawanda came back with goals by Sam Poetter, Kyle Tafelski, Brennan Prince, and hat trick tallies by Jansson and Hamilton to end the game at the 10 goal mercy rule score of 11-1 early in the third period. Notching scoring assists in the game were Tanner Eck (2), Jansson (2), Josh Clayton, Luke Croucher, Poetter, Tafelski, and Hamilton. Jack Spaulding stopped 15 shots for the win in net. On Sunday the Braves play Dublin Jerome in its second round game in Columbus at 5pm. The tournament is single elimination, with the Columbus District winner advancing to the state's frozen four finals in March. The Braves, seeded 11th in the tournament, enter the game with Jerome with an overall record of 18-10-1 and as Southwest Ohio Hockey League South Division Champions. Jerome enters the game with a 22-10-4 record, and a first round bye in the tournament after being seeded third in the District and finishing second in the Red Division of the Capital Hockey Conference.
Game 28: Dayton, Ohio, February 8, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Troy, SWOHSHL Tourney, Round 2 (Overall 17-10-1)
Talawanda fell to Troy 9-4 in the second round of the SWOHSHL Tournament. Troy faces Springboro for the league title on Sunday 2/9 in Dayton.
After the Braves took a 2-1 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson, and assists from Luke Croucher and Kyle Tafelski, Troy scored 5 straight goals to take a commanding lead 6-2. In a penalty marred third period, Troy held its lead and skated into the finals with Springboro. The Braves scored in the third period on a goal by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Jansson, and on a goal in the third by Tafelski, assisted by Sam Poetter. But Talawanda could not convert on numerous scoring opportunities on power plays in the final frame. The Braves return to action against Elder in the first round of the District Tournament in Columbus Saturday 2/15 at 12:30 pm at the Ice Haus. The second round game will be played on Sunday 2/16 against Dublin Jerome (bye) at 5pm, also at the Ice Haus.
Game 27: Oxford, Ohio, February 7, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Beavercreek, SWOHSHL Tourney, Round 1 (Overall 17-9-1, SWOHSHL South Champions)
Top-seeded Talawanda bested Beavercreek in round one of the SWOHSHL's season ending tournament, 6-1. The Braves started the scoring in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Sam Poetter, then built a 2-0 lead on Tanner Eck's goal on feeds from Curran Persinger and Adam Vonderhaar. After a scoreless second period, Talawanda pulled away from the Beavers in the third period on Jansson's second and third goals, both assisted by Taylor Hamilton. Eck scored again on a helper from Persinger, and Jansson capped the scoring with his fourth goal of the game, late in the period on passes from Luke Croucher and Kyle Tafelski. Beavercreek scored a lone goal in the third, but never threatened the Braves. Jack Spaulding stopped 18 shots in net for Talawanda, and the Braves took 43 shots on the Beavers. Tomorrow night the Braves play a second round game in the SWOHSHL Tournmant against St. X or Troy at South Metro Ice Center at 5:30pm.
Game 26: Cincinnati, Ohio, February 2, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Moeller Crusaders (Overall 16-9-1, SWOHSHL 8-2-1)
The Braves dropped its final regular season contest to non-league foe Moeller at the Gardens 5-2. Talawanda tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Curran Persinger. Moeller took at 3-1 lead in the second period when the Braves cut the score to 3-2 on a tally by Luke Croucher, assisted by Thomas Jansson. But the game slipped away from the Braves, who were unable to capitalize on several power play opportunities in the third period. The Braves continue their season with their first postseason match-up next Friday, February 7 with Beavercreek on home ice in the first round of the SWOHSHL tournament.
Game 25: Cincinnati, Ohio, February 1, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Sycamore Aves (Overall 16-8-1, SWOHSHL 8-2-1)
Talawanda outlasted Sycamore at Sports Plus on Saturday night, 6-1. The Braves led by only one goal at the end of the second period 2-1, on goals by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Evan Bartlett and Kyle Tafelski, and by Sam Poetter, assisted by Luke Croucher. The Aves kept the game close behind excellent goalie play by senior Tom Wocks until the Braves poured it on in the third on goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Tafelski and Poetter; Jansson again, from Luke Croucher; and back to back goals by Poetter for a hat trick, assisted by Tafelski and Curran Persinger. Jack Spaulding stopped a breakaway attempt by Sycamore early in the second that would have tied the score, and stopped all but one of the Aves 15 shots on the night. The Braves had 45 shots on net. Talawanda concluded its regular season SWOHSHL campaign by finishing first in the South Division with an 8-2-1 record, setting up a first round SWOHSHL Tournament match-up on Friday February 7 with #4 seed Beavercreek at the Goggin Ice Center at 5:15pm. Support the Braves by turning out for this important first round tournament game at home. Tomorrow, 2/1, the Braves conclude their regular season with a non-league matchup with Moeller at the Cincinnati Gardens at 12:30pm.
Game 24: Troy, Ohio, January 30, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Troy Bruins (Overall 15-8-1, SWOHSHL 7-2-1)
Talawanda dropped a league contest to Troy in a hard fought, close game 5-3. Talawanda took a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Kyle Tafelski, and on a goal by Ryan Vonderhaar, assisted by Adam Vonderhaar and Curran Persinger. But Troy came back to tie the score at 2-2 in the second period, before taking a 3-2 lead early in the third. Talawanda would tie the game at 3-3 on Jansson's second goal, again assisted by Tafelski, but that would end the Braves' scoring. Troy wrapped the game up on back to back goals to seal the verdict late in the third period. The Braves return to the ice on Saturday February 1 for its last league game of the season, v. Sycamore at Sports Plus in Cincinnati at 4:30pm. The regular season ends on Super Bowl Sunday with a non-league matchup with Moeller at the Gardens at 12:30pm.
Game 23: Strongsville, Ohio, January 20, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Orange Lions (Overall 15-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
In the consolation round of the Ernfelt Memorial Tournament, Talawanda bested Orange 6-3 to take third place in the Varsity Red Division. Sam Poetter started the scoring on a feed from Taylor Hamilton in the first period. After Orange tied the score in the second, the Braves took charge on a goal by Thomas Jansson on an assist by Luke Morrish and then upped the score to 3-1 on a goal by Luke Croucher, assisted by Curran Persinger and Kyle Tafelski. In the third period, Jansson scored unassisted, and then fed Poetter beautifully on a 2-on-1 to put the game out of reach at 5-2. Juke Croucher finished the scoring late on a helper from Jansson. Jack Spaulding earned his 15th win in goal for the Braves. Next weekend the Braves visit Troy in a key SWOHSHL matchup Sunday at 5:45pm.
Game 22: Strongsville, Ohio, January 19, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Maumee Panthers (Overall 14-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
The Braves gave up an early goal to Maumee, but netminder Jack Spaulding shut the Panthers out the rest of the way, and Talawanda earned its first win of the Ernfelt Memorial Tournament 8-1. Scoring for the Braves were Thomas Jansson with three goals and a hat trick, Curran Persinger (2), Sam Poetter, Taylor Hamilton, and Kyle Tafelski. Adding assists were Hamilton (4), Poetter (3), Gabriel Adkins-Lamb, Brennan Prince, Luke Croucher, and Persinger. With a 1-2 record in the tournament, the Braves earned an opportunity to play for third place on Monday against Orange.
Game 21: Strongsville, Ohio, January 18, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. East Lansing Stars (Overall 13-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda lost to out of state opponent East Lansing, 5-2. The Braves tied the score at 1-1 early in the second period on a goal by Curran Persinger, assisted by Tanner Eck and Christy Gray. After the Stars took a commanding 3-1 lead, Talawanda cut the score to 3-2 on Thomas Jansson's goal on feeds from Sam Poetter and Kyle Tafelski. But East Lansing outlasted the Braves, scoring twice in the third period, including an empty netter to crush Talawanda's comeback hopes.
Game 20: Strongsville, Ohio, January 18, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Gahanna Lincoln Lions (7am) (Overall 13-6-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
In the first game of the annual Walter F. Ernfelt Memorial Tournament in Strongsville, Talawanda fell to Gahanna Lincoln 5-3 in a hard fought match. After the Lions took an early 2-0 lead in the first period, the Braves scored on Thomas Jansson's power play goal on a feed by Curran Persinger. Gahanna went up 3-1, but Talawanda fought back on another power play goal by Tanner Eck, assisted by Jansson and Sam Poetter. The Lions scored at the end of the second period to take a 4-2 lead and command of the game, which they turned into a 5-2 lead midway through the third period. The Lions survived a late onslaught by Talawanda, including a goal by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Jansson and Poetter. But the Braves could get no closer than the two goal difference.
Game 19: Columbus, Ohio, January 17, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Bishop Watterson (7:30pm) (Overall 13-5-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda bowed to Bishop Watterson 8-6 in a back-and-forth affair Friday in Columbus in a non-league matchup. Talawanda started the scoring halfway through the first period on a goal by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Tameer Bakkar. Bishop Watterson tied the score late in the period at 1-1. Jansson scored again an assist by Sam Poetter to make the score 2-1, but BW scored back-to-back goals to take a 3-2 lead. The Braves returned the favor scoring twice quickly, on a goal by Luke Croucher, assisted by Josh Clayton and Taylor Hamilton and an unassisted goal, his third, by Jansson. Watterson tied the game at 4-4 to end the second period. The hosts took control of the game in the third period, scoring three straight times before Talawanda cut the score to 7-6 on Croucher's second goal, assisted by Curran Persinger and Jansson, and on Jansson's fourth goal assisted by Croucher. Bishop Watterson sealed the game with its eighth goal at 13:57. Talawanda dominated play, getting 56 shots away while only allowing 26, but couldn't push ahead of the home team before the final buzzer.
Game 18: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday January 12, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Dublin Scioto (2:20pm) (THS Braves Overall 13-4-1; SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
The Talawanda Hockey Braves -- The SWOHSHL's South Division Champions -- hosted Dublin Scioto in a non-league contest in Oxford posting an 11-0 victory and completing their second weekend sweep in a row. The Braves led only 2-0 entering the second period, but like the previous night's game, opened up a huge lead by scoring five times in the second and then four goals in the third. Scioto managed only 15 shots, and Jack Spaulding stopped them all for a shutout and his ninth straight win in goal. Scoring goals for the Braves were Gabriel Adkins-Lamb (2), Ford Clay, Zane Marsh, Alex Holt, Tanner Eck, Fisher Tobias, Tameer Bakkar, Josh Clayton, Tristan Rowland, and Curran Persinger. Adding assists were Brennan Prince (2), Clayton (2), Bakkar (2), Adkins-Lamb (2), Clay (2), Adam Vonderhaar, Thomas Jansson, Cody Kieffer, Persinger, and Rowland. Next weekend the Braves travel Friday night to play Bishop Watterson at the Columbus Ice House at 7pm, then play four games over the MLK Jr. Weekend in Strongsville, including games against Gahanna Lincoln, East Lansing, and Maumee.
Game 17: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday January 11, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Centerville Elks (5:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 12-4-1; SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda celebrated Senior Night beating Centerville on home ice 13-2. The home team dominated every facet of the game from start to finish, but only held a 1-0 lead after the first period, breaking the ice with a goal by Luke Croucher on an assist by Thomas Jansson. But Croucher and the rest of the Braves broke completely loose in the second, scoring 10 goals in the frame. Croucher scored three more goals in the second for a game high of four tallies, Josh Clayton also added three goals for a hat trick, Taylor Hamilton scored twice, and Kyle Tafelski and Jansson both scored for the 11-1 lead. The game evened out in the third period, with the Braves only scoring twice, once on Tafelski's breakaway goal and once on Curran Persinger's marker at the end of the game. Notching assists for the Braves were Jansson (4), Sam Poetter (2), Graham Day, Hamilton, Persinger, and Tafelski. Jack Spaulding continued his hot streak, winning his eighth straight start in net, stopping 20 Elk shots. The win moves the Braves to 7-1-1 in league play, which clinches the South Division SWOHSHL Title, the first for the Braves since 2009. Talawanda hosts Dublin Scioto tomorrow at 2:15pm in a non-league tilt, going for its second straight weekend sweep.
Game 16: Goggin Ice Center, Friday January 10, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Whitmer Panthers (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 11-4-1; SWOHSHL 6-1-1)
The Braves trounced the visiting Whitmer Panthers 9-3 behind strong goaltending by Jack Spaulding, who earned his 11th win this season stopping 22 shots. Talawanda took command early, taking a 7-1 lead at the end of the second period, then coasted to the win in the third. Goal scorers for Talawanda were Taylor Hamilton (4), Tristan Rowland, Tameer Bakkar, Josh Clayton, Cody Kieffer, and Fisher Tobias. Assist leaders were Sam Poetter (2), Hamilton (2), Ford Clay, Brennan Prince, Zane Marsh, Kyle Tafelski, Gabriel Adkins-Lamb, Clayton, and Rowland. Tomorrow night the Braves host Centerville on Senior Night at 4:45pm at the Goggin. Senior night festivities begin at 4:20pm. Admission is only $1 on Senior Night, so pack the house to watch two titans of the SWOHSHL battle in their only league match of the year. A win guarantees Talawanda the outright South Division Championship.
Game 15: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday January 5, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. St. Xavier Bombers (2:20pm) (THS Braves Overall 10-4-1; SWOHSHL 6-1-1)
Talawanda beat SWOHSHL South Division rival St. X 3-1 in a league showdown Sunday in Oxford. After skating to an opening night 5-5 tie in November, the Braves proved their mettle against the Bombers in January when it counted the most head-to-head, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period on an early goal by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Evan Bartlett. Talawanda put the game out of reach 2-0 in the second period on a beautiful cross ice feed by Sam Poetter to Thomas Jansson, who had beaten the St. X defense deep, burying the one-timer while the Braves played shorthanded. St. X made it close in the third with a late goal, but Jansson matched the effort on an unassisted tally with only a minute left in the game, ruining the Bombers' comeback hopes. Jack Spaulding earned the win in goal, playing his best game of the season while stopping 35 shots. Next weekend the Braves host three games in Oxford, Toledo Whitmer on Friday night at 7pm, Centerville for Senior Night on Saturday at 4:45pm with a special $1 entry for all fans, and Dublin Scioto on Sunday at 2:15pm for the season's home finale.
Game 14: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday January 4, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Elder Panthers (6:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 9-4-1; SWOHSHL 5-1-1)
The Talawanda Braves continued their dominance of SWOHSHL Division foes beating Elder 11-0 to maintain its first place standing in the South. Leading the Braves in scoring with goals were Josh Clayton (4), Thomas Jansson (3), Christie Gray (2), Sam Poetter, and Ford Clay. Assist leaders were Tameer Bakkar (2), Seth Poirer (2), Poetter (2), Brennan Prince, Tristan Rowland, Gray, Jansson, and Clayton. Jack Spaulding earned the win in goal for the Braves, turning back an Elder penalty shot in the third period to preserve the shutout. Talawanda returns to the ice Sunday afternoon at the Goggin Ice Center at 2:20pm, hosting St. X in a SWOHSHL showdown for first place .
Game 13: Dayton, Friday January 3, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Centerville Elks (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 8-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
In non-league action in Dayton, Talawanda came back from an early 4-2 deficit to best the Elks 5-4 on Centerville's Senior Night. After giving up an early goal to Centerville, Talawanda tied the game at 1-1 on Taylor Hamilton's unassisted goal, then repeated the cycle giving up another goal to the Elks then tying it at 2-2 on Sam Poetter's unassisted goal. But Centerville dominated the remainder of the first period, scoring back-to-back goals to lead decisively 4-2 at the end of the first period. In the second, Poetter turned the tables on the Elks, cutting the lead to one on a goal off a feed from Kyle Tafelski, then tying the game at 4-4 with his third goal of the game on assists by Hamilton and Tanner Eck. In the third period, the two titans of the SWOHSHL battled to a stand off until Thomas Jansson buried a wrister at 13:40, using Poetter's pass on an odd man rush to win the game 5-4. In net, Jack Spaulding earned the win with 30 saves for Talawanda. Tomorrow night the Braves host Elder in a SWOHSHL matchup at Goggin Ice Center at 6:15pm.
Game 12: Toledo Ice House, Sunday December 22, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Toledo Whitmer Panthers (9am) (THS Braves Overall 7-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda visited Whitmer Sunday and pummeled the hosts 11-0. Jack Spaulding earned the shutout in goal for the Braves. Many Braves entered the scoring column with goals including Ryan Vonderhaar (2), Taylor Hamilton (2), Evan Bartlett, Tanner Eck, Kyle Tafelski, Christie Gray, Zane Marsh, Graham Day, and Ford Clay. Assist leaders in the game were Sam Poetter (3), Tanner Eck (2), Luke Morrish (2), Kyle Tafelski (2), Thomas Jansson (2), Alex Holt, Clay, Vonderhaar, and Bartlett. The Braves take a holiday break from game action before returning to the ice against Centerville in a non-league tilt on Friday January 3, 2014, at South Metro at 6pm.
Game 11: Bowling Green, Saturday December 21, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Maumee (6pm) (THS Braves Overall 6-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda came back from an early 3-1 deficit to pound Maumee 10-5 in non-league action in Bowling Green Saturday night. Maumee took an early 2-0 lead in the first period before the Braves hit the scoring column on a blast by Curran Persinger on feeds from Taylor Hamilton and Sam Poetter. After Maumee scored its third goal early in the second period, Thomas Jansson took over for the Braves, scoring back to back goals within thirty seconds and shifting the momentum of the game back to Talawanda along with a 3-3 tie. Then Taylor Hamilton piled on, scoring back to back goals late in the period to make the score 5-3 before Maumee answered at the end of the second to get as close as they would get to the Braves for the rest of the evening, 5-4. Talawanda dominated the third period, with Jansson scoring three more times , Hamilton adding his third goal of the night, and Seth Poirer hitting the back of the net to finish the Braves' scoring at 10-5. Hamilton led all scorers with 7 points on a hat trick and four assists. Jansson's 5 points came on 5 goals, and Sam Poetter matched his output with 5 assists on the game. Kyle Tafelski (2), Tanner Eck, Evan Bartlett, and Brennan Prince all added assists to the scoring column. Talawanda's Jack Spaulding stopped 17 shots by Maumee and Talawanda fired off 48 for the game. The Braves travel to Toledo tomorrow for another non-league matchup with Whitmer.
Game 10: Cincinnati Gardens, Friday December 20, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Elder Panthers (8pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda shutout Elder 9-0 in SWOHSHL Southern Division action Friday night at the Gardens, moving Talawanda into sole ownership of first place in the Division after St. X's late loss to Springboro in the Garden finale. The Braves took a commanding 5-0 lead in the first period, with Sam Poetter starting the scoring early on a feed from Taylor Hamilton. Hamilton then scored on a penalty shot after a Panther defender fell purposefully on a loose puck in the crease. Curran Persinger made it 3-0 on a feed by Hamilton, and then Hamilton scored again unassisted to make it 4-0. Seth Poirer closed out the first period scoring on assists from Zane Marsh and Adam Vonderhaar. In the second period Poirer scored again on helpers from Marsh and Vonderhaar, Thomas Jansson scored on a pass from Poetter, Tanner Eck scored unassisted, and Hamilton finished the Braves' scoring on a feed from Graham Day. Both teams went scoreless in the third frame. Jack Spaulding earned the shutout in net for the Braves. Talawanda continues its busy weekend with non-league games when it visits Maumee in Bowling Green Saturday night and then faces Toledo Whitmer in Toledo on Sunday morning.
Game 9: Dayton, OH, Friday December 13, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Springboro Panthers (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-4-1; SWOHSHL 3-1-1)
The Braves and Panthers battled to a 1-1 tie through two periods, with Talawanda tying the score in the middle of the second period on a goal by Sam Poetter, assisted by Zane Marsh. The two SWOHSHL titans scuffled through most of the third period locked in a goalie dual until Springboro scored back-to-back goals just 20 seconds apart to take a 3-1 lead. Poetter notched his second goal on a feed from Taylor Hamilton at 11:30 of the third period, but the Braves were denied a tie. A laser shot by Talawanda's Thomas Jansson with just 1 minute remaining looked to have dented the twine just south of the crossbar, but the officials called it off the crossbar allowing the Panthers to escape with a key win. Jack Spaulding stopped 28 shots for the Braves, and the Braves had 28 shots on the night in an end-to-end affair in the Braves' best game of the season, despite the loss, to date. Talawanda hosts Thomas Worthington Saturday at 5:15pm at the Goggin Ice Center in a non-league tilt.
Game 8: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday December 8, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Alter Knights (2:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-3-1; SWOHSHL 3-0-1)
Talawanda shutout Alter at home in SWOHSHL action Sunday 12-0, dominating play from the puck drop. Jack Spaulding stopped 7 Alter shots in goal to blank the Knights. Many Braves entered the scoring column today, including goals scored by Taylor Hamilton (2), Fisher Tobias (2), Thomas Jansson (2), and Ryan Vonderhaar, Adam Vonderhaar, Alex Holt, Tanner Eck, Tameer Bakkar, and Luke Croucher. Notching assists for THS were Ryan Vonderhaar (3), Zane Marsh (2), Sam Poetter (2), Adam Vonderhaar, Tristin Rowland, Kyle Tafelski, Brennan Prince, Evan Bartlett, Jansson, Eck, Holt, and Tobias. The Braves continue SWOHSHL action next Friday against Springboro in Dayton at 7pm and host a Saturday tilt with Thomas Worthington at the Goggin at 5:15pm.
Game 7: Dayton, OH, Saturday December 7, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Beavercreek (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 3-3-1; SWOHSHL 2-0-1)
The Braves bested the Beavers in SWOHSHL action 4-1 Saturday night at the STIC in Dayton. Talawanda built a 2-0 lead in the first period behind goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Ryan Vonderhaar, and by Tanner Eck, assisted by Luke Croucher and Evan Bartlett. But the Beavers hung around, chipping in a power play goal at the beginning of the third period to cut the Brave lead to 2-1. Then Sam Poetter iced the game on a point blank shot near the end of regulation on a feed from Thomas Jannson to make it 3-1, just before Tanner Eck notched an open net goal assisted by Bartlett as time expired for the 4-1 finish. Jack Spauding stopped 12 shots for the win, while the Braves tallied 40 shots on net. The Braves host Alter in its second SWOHSHL tilt of the weekend Sunday at Goggin Ice Arena at 2:15pm.
Game 6: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday December 1, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Cuyahoga Valley (9:55am) (THS Braves Overall 2-3-1; SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
The Braves salvaged the fourth game of the DiPaolo Tournament, taking home a win against Cuyahoga Valley 9-1. The Braves scored 7 times in the first period then cruised to the victory. Jack Spaulding stopped 13 CV shots for the win in goal. Players scoring for the Braves were Sam Poetter (hat trick, 3 goals), Gabe Adkins-Lamb (2), and Thomas Jansson, Adam Vonderhaar, Curran Persinger, and Luke Croucher added single tallies. Adding assists were Fisher Tobias (Playmaker, 3 assists), Taylor Hamilton, Ryan Vonderhaar, Luke Morrish, Poetter, and Croucher. The Braves visit Upper Arlington next Friday night December 6 at the Ice Works at 6:30pm in non-league action, then meet SWOHSHL opponents Beavercreek (Saturday) and Alter (Sunday).
Game 5: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday November 30, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Carmel (IN) Gold (3:35pm) (THS Braves Overall 1-3-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Talawanda battled highly touted Carmel Gold to a 3-0 loss Saturday in the third game of the DiPaolo Tournament. After a scoreless first period, the Braves had a 5-on-3 power play but couldn't convert. Carmel took advantage of several Talawanda penalties, putting the game away in the second period on two goals, and iced the game in the third with its final goal. Talawanda threatened the entire game, but couldn't take advantage of Carmel's defensive miscues or penalties. Jack Spaulding stopped 20 shots for the Braves and the Braves managed to get 20 shots on goal. Talawanda faces Cuyahoga Valley in the finale of the tournament Sunday at 9:55am.
Game 4: Goggin Ice Center, Friday November 29, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Providence (IL) Celtics (5:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 1-2-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Providence dominated the contest with Talawanda from the opening puck drop, posting five goals in the first period, and cruising to a 10-1 victory over the Braves in game two of the DiPaolo Thanksgiving Tournament in Oxford. The Braves entered the scoring column in the second period, avoiding the shutout on a goal by Evan Bartlett, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. Jack Spaulding faced 52 shots by the Celtics, and the Braves only managed nine. On Saturday November 30, Talawanda faces Carmel (Gold) at 3:45pm at Goggin Ice Center.
Game 3: Goggin Ice Center, Friday November 29, 2013, Talawanda Braves v. Mason Comets (11:30am) (THS Braves Overall 1-1-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
In the opening game of the 2013 DiPaolo Thanksgiving Tournament, Talawanda dropped a 6-4 decision to Mason. The Braves took a 2-1 lead in the first period on goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Alex Holt and Ryan Vonderhaar, and Thomas Jansson scored on a power play goal assisted by Hamilton. But the Comets tied the game at 2-2 in the first, and took a 4-2 lead in the second period, dominating play. But in the third period, the Braves came roaring back to tie it at 4, scoring its third goal on a feed from Curran Persinger to Jannson, and then on a power play Seth Poirer took passes from Sam Poetter and Taylor Hamilton to knot the score. However, this would end the Braves scoring, and Mason capitalized on several THS miscues to ice the game with two late goals in the third period. The Braves (1-1-1 on the regular season) continue tournament play this evening taking on Providence, Illinois.
Game 2: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday November 23, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Sycamore Aves (THS Braves Overall 1-0-1; SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Game two of the season's opening weekend went Talawanda's way as the Braves shutout Sycamore 5-0 on home ice. In front of a big crowd on Pad B, Thomas Jansson started the scoring early in the first period on a feed from Luke Croucher to make it 1-0. Tanner Eck scored on passes from Taylor Hamilton and Graham Day for a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period. The rest of the Braves' scoring came in the second period starting with a power play goal by Kyle Tafelski on assists by Tanner Eck and Curran Persinger. Persinger added the fourth goal unassisted, and Jansson capped the scoring at 5-0 on assists by Zane Marsh and Sam Poetter. In goal, Jack Spaulding earned the shutout by stopping 10 shots by Sycamore. Jack Wocks stopped 60 shots for the Aves, as Talawanda pressured Sycamore the entire game. The Braves host the DiPaolo Tournament Thanksgiving weekend, beginning with its opening game at 11:30am Friday November 29 against Mason.
Game 1: Cincinnati Gardens, Friday November 22, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. St. X Bombers (THS Braves Overall 0-0-1; SWOHSHL 0-0-1)
In the opening regular season game of 2013-2014, The Talawanda Braves skated to a 5-5 tie against Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League (SWOHSHL) rival St. X at the Gardens in Cincinnati. The Bombers started the scoring in the first, but Talawanda quickly tied the game on its first goal of the season by Thomas Jansson assisted by Sam Poetter. X scored on a power play goal at 11:20 in the first period and extended its lead to 3-1 at 13:03. But the Braves roared back in the second period on an unassisted goal by Freshman Luke Croucher at 1:18 to make it 3-2 and then tied the score at 3-3 on Jansson's second goal of the night, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. X took a 4-3 lead midway through the third period but the Braves knotted the score at 4-4 almost immediately on Jansson's third goal of the night, his first career hat trick, assisted by Croucher. At 9:51, X lucked out on a found goal, but the Braves tied the score for good at 5-5 on a bomb by Curran Persinger from the point, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. The game ended in a flurry of opportunities for both teams at each end in the final minute, but the teams skated away with a hard fought tie. Talawanda outshot X on the night 30-25. Jack Spaulding earned the tie in goal, making 20 saves for Talawanda. Talawanda's next game is Saturday November 23, 2013, at Goggin Ice Center, 5:15pm, versus SWOHSHL foe Sycamore.
Talawanda v. Dublin Jerome
Jerome ended Talawanda's season, beating the Braves 6-1 in the second round of the state's district tournament in Columbus. Talawanda led at the end of the first period behind Sam Poetter's goal, on an assist from Kyle Tafelski at 6:41. But the second period turned in Jerome's favor, with the Celtics scoring four straight goals without an answer from the Braves. Jerome iced the game with two more goals in the third period for the final margin. Jack Spaulding faced 35 shots for the Braves in net, and the Braves could only manage 15 shots against Jerome's stingy defense. The Braves conclude their season with a final record of 18-11-1, and as Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League (SWOHSHL) South Division Champions.
Game 29: Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Health Ice Haus, Saturday February 15, 2014, 12:30pm... OHSAA Columbus District Ice Hockey Tournament, Round One
Talawanda v. Elder
In its opening District tournament game, the Braves handled Elder easily 11-1 at the Ice Haus in Columbus. The Braves jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson (2), Taylor Hamilton (2), and Graham Day. Elder scored early in the second period to make it 5-1, but Talawanda came back with goals by Sam Poetter, Kyle Tafelski, Brennan Prince, and hat trick tallies by Jansson and Hamilton to end the game at the 10 goal mercy rule score of 11-1 early in the third period. Notching scoring assists in the game were Tanner Eck (2), Jansson (2), Josh Clayton, Luke Croucher, Poetter, Tafelski, and Hamilton. Jack Spaulding stopped 15 shots for the win in net. On Sunday the Braves play Dublin Jerome in its second round game in Columbus at 5pm. The tournament is single elimination, with the Columbus District winner advancing to the state's frozen four finals in March. The Braves, seeded 11th in the tournament, enter the game with Jerome with an overall record of 18-10-1 and as Southwest Ohio Hockey League South Division Champions. Jerome enters the game with a 22-10-4 record, and a first round bye in the tournament after being seeded third in the District and finishing second in the Red Division of the Capital Hockey Conference.
Game 28: Dayton, Ohio, February 8, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Troy, SWOHSHL Tourney, Round 2 (Overall 17-10-1)
Talawanda fell to Troy 9-4 in the second round of the SWOHSHL Tournament. Troy faces Springboro for the league title on Sunday 2/9 in Dayton.
After the Braves took a 2-1 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson, and assists from Luke Croucher and Kyle Tafelski, Troy scored 5 straight goals to take a commanding lead 6-2. In a penalty marred third period, Troy held its lead and skated into the finals with Springboro. The Braves scored in the third period on a goal by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Jansson, and on a goal in the third by Tafelski, assisted by Sam Poetter. But Talawanda could not convert on numerous scoring opportunities on power plays in the final frame. The Braves return to action against Elder in the first round of the District Tournament in Columbus Saturday 2/15 at 12:30 pm at the Ice Haus. The second round game will be played on Sunday 2/16 against Dublin Jerome (bye) at 5pm, also at the Ice Haus.
Game 27: Oxford, Ohio, February 7, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Beavercreek, SWOHSHL Tourney, Round 1 (Overall 17-9-1, SWOHSHL South Champions)
Top-seeded Talawanda bested Beavercreek in round one of the SWOHSHL's season ending tournament, 6-1. The Braves started the scoring in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Sam Poetter, then built a 2-0 lead on Tanner Eck's goal on feeds from Curran Persinger and Adam Vonderhaar. After a scoreless second period, Talawanda pulled away from the Beavers in the third period on Jansson's second and third goals, both assisted by Taylor Hamilton. Eck scored again on a helper from Persinger, and Jansson capped the scoring with his fourth goal of the game, late in the period on passes from Luke Croucher and Kyle Tafelski. Beavercreek scored a lone goal in the third, but never threatened the Braves. Jack Spaulding stopped 18 shots in net for Talawanda, and the Braves took 43 shots on the Beavers. Tomorrow night the Braves play a second round game in the SWOHSHL Tournmant against St. X or Troy at South Metro Ice Center at 5:30pm.
Game 26: Cincinnati, Ohio, February 2, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Moeller Crusaders (Overall 16-9-1, SWOHSHL 8-2-1)
The Braves dropped its final regular season contest to non-league foe Moeller at the Gardens 5-2. Talawanda tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Curran Persinger. Moeller took at 3-1 lead in the second period when the Braves cut the score to 3-2 on a tally by Luke Croucher, assisted by Thomas Jansson. But the game slipped away from the Braves, who were unable to capitalize on several power play opportunities in the third period. The Braves continue their season with their first postseason match-up next Friday, February 7 with Beavercreek on home ice in the first round of the SWOHSHL tournament.
Game 25: Cincinnati, Ohio, February 1, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Sycamore Aves (Overall 16-8-1, SWOHSHL 8-2-1)
Talawanda outlasted Sycamore at Sports Plus on Saturday night, 6-1. The Braves led by only one goal at the end of the second period 2-1, on goals by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Evan Bartlett and Kyle Tafelski, and by Sam Poetter, assisted by Luke Croucher. The Aves kept the game close behind excellent goalie play by senior Tom Wocks until the Braves poured it on in the third on goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Tafelski and Poetter; Jansson again, from Luke Croucher; and back to back goals by Poetter for a hat trick, assisted by Tafelski and Curran Persinger. Jack Spaulding stopped a breakaway attempt by Sycamore early in the second that would have tied the score, and stopped all but one of the Aves 15 shots on the night. The Braves had 45 shots on net. Talawanda concluded its regular season SWOHSHL campaign by finishing first in the South Division with an 8-2-1 record, setting up a first round SWOHSHL Tournament match-up on Friday February 7 with #4 seed Beavercreek at the Goggin Ice Center at 5:15pm. Support the Braves by turning out for this important first round tournament game at home. Tomorrow, 2/1, the Braves conclude their regular season with a non-league matchup with Moeller at the Cincinnati Gardens at 12:30pm.
Game 24: Troy, Ohio, January 30, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Troy Bruins (Overall 15-8-1, SWOHSHL 7-2-1)
Talawanda dropped a league contest to Troy in a hard fought, close game 5-3. Talawanda took a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Kyle Tafelski, and on a goal by Ryan Vonderhaar, assisted by Adam Vonderhaar and Curran Persinger. But Troy came back to tie the score at 2-2 in the second period, before taking a 3-2 lead early in the third. Talawanda would tie the game at 3-3 on Jansson's second goal, again assisted by Tafelski, but that would end the Braves' scoring. Troy wrapped the game up on back to back goals to seal the verdict late in the third period. The Braves return to the ice on Saturday February 1 for its last league game of the season, v. Sycamore at Sports Plus in Cincinnati at 4:30pm. The regular season ends on Super Bowl Sunday with a non-league matchup with Moeller at the Gardens at 12:30pm.
Game 23: Strongsville, Ohio, January 20, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Orange Lions (Overall 15-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
In the consolation round of the Ernfelt Memorial Tournament, Talawanda bested Orange 6-3 to take third place in the Varsity Red Division. Sam Poetter started the scoring on a feed from Taylor Hamilton in the first period. After Orange tied the score in the second, the Braves took charge on a goal by Thomas Jansson on an assist by Luke Morrish and then upped the score to 3-1 on a goal by Luke Croucher, assisted by Curran Persinger and Kyle Tafelski. In the third period, Jansson scored unassisted, and then fed Poetter beautifully on a 2-on-1 to put the game out of reach at 5-2. Juke Croucher finished the scoring late on a helper from Jansson. Jack Spaulding earned his 15th win in goal for the Braves. Next weekend the Braves visit Troy in a key SWOHSHL matchup Sunday at 5:45pm.
Game 22: Strongsville, Ohio, January 19, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Maumee Panthers (Overall 14-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
The Braves gave up an early goal to Maumee, but netminder Jack Spaulding shut the Panthers out the rest of the way, and Talawanda earned its first win of the Ernfelt Memorial Tournament 8-1. Scoring for the Braves were Thomas Jansson with three goals and a hat trick, Curran Persinger (2), Sam Poetter, Taylor Hamilton, and Kyle Tafelski. Adding assists were Hamilton (4), Poetter (3), Gabriel Adkins-Lamb, Brennan Prince, Luke Croucher, and Persinger. With a 1-2 record in the tournament, the Braves earned an opportunity to play for third place on Monday against Orange.
Game 21: Strongsville, Ohio, January 18, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. East Lansing Stars (Overall 13-7-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda lost to out of state opponent East Lansing, 5-2. The Braves tied the score at 1-1 early in the second period on a goal by Curran Persinger, assisted by Tanner Eck and Christy Gray. After the Stars took a commanding 3-1 lead, Talawanda cut the score to 3-2 on Thomas Jansson's goal on feeds from Sam Poetter and Kyle Tafelski. But East Lansing outlasted the Braves, scoring twice in the third period, including an empty netter to crush Talawanda's comeback hopes.
Game 20: Strongsville, Ohio, January 18, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Gahanna Lincoln Lions (7am) (Overall 13-6-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
In the first game of the annual Walter F. Ernfelt Memorial Tournament in Strongsville, Talawanda fell to Gahanna Lincoln 5-3 in a hard fought match. After the Lions took an early 2-0 lead in the first period, the Braves scored on Thomas Jansson's power play goal on a feed by Curran Persinger. Gahanna went up 3-1, but Talawanda fought back on another power play goal by Tanner Eck, assisted by Jansson and Sam Poetter. The Lions scored at the end of the second period to take a 4-2 lead and command of the game, which they turned into a 5-2 lead midway through the third period. The Lions survived a late onslaught by Talawanda, including a goal by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Jansson and Poetter. But the Braves could get no closer than the two goal difference.
Game 19: Columbus, Ohio, January 17, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Bishop Watterson (7:30pm) (Overall 13-5-1, SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda bowed to Bishop Watterson 8-6 in a back-and-forth affair Friday in Columbus in a non-league matchup. Talawanda started the scoring halfway through the first period on a goal by Thomas Jansson, assisted by Tameer Bakkar. Bishop Watterson tied the score late in the period at 1-1. Jansson scored again an assist by Sam Poetter to make the score 2-1, but BW scored back-to-back goals to take a 3-2 lead. The Braves returned the favor scoring twice quickly, on a goal by Luke Croucher, assisted by Josh Clayton and Taylor Hamilton and an unassisted goal, his third, by Jansson. Watterson tied the game at 4-4 to end the second period. The hosts took control of the game in the third period, scoring three straight times before Talawanda cut the score to 7-6 on Croucher's second goal, assisted by Curran Persinger and Jansson, and on Jansson's fourth goal assisted by Croucher. Bishop Watterson sealed the game with its eighth goal at 13:57. Talawanda dominated play, getting 56 shots away while only allowing 26, but couldn't push ahead of the home team before the final buzzer.
Game 18: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday January 12, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Dublin Scioto (2:20pm) (THS Braves Overall 13-4-1; SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
The Talawanda Hockey Braves -- The SWOHSHL's South Division Champions -- hosted Dublin Scioto in a non-league contest in Oxford posting an 11-0 victory and completing their second weekend sweep in a row. The Braves led only 2-0 entering the second period, but like the previous night's game, opened up a huge lead by scoring five times in the second and then four goals in the third. Scioto managed only 15 shots, and Jack Spaulding stopped them all for a shutout and his ninth straight win in goal. Scoring goals for the Braves were Gabriel Adkins-Lamb (2), Ford Clay, Zane Marsh, Alex Holt, Tanner Eck, Fisher Tobias, Tameer Bakkar, Josh Clayton, Tristan Rowland, and Curran Persinger. Adding assists were Brennan Prince (2), Clayton (2), Bakkar (2), Adkins-Lamb (2), Clay (2), Adam Vonderhaar, Thomas Jansson, Cody Kieffer, Persinger, and Rowland. Next weekend the Braves travel Friday night to play Bishop Watterson at the Columbus Ice House at 7pm, then play four games over the MLK Jr. Weekend in Strongsville, including games against Gahanna Lincoln, East Lansing, and Maumee.
Game 17: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday January 11, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Centerville Elks (5:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 12-4-1; SWOHSHL 7-1-1)
Talawanda celebrated Senior Night beating Centerville on home ice 13-2. The home team dominated every facet of the game from start to finish, but only held a 1-0 lead after the first period, breaking the ice with a goal by Luke Croucher on an assist by Thomas Jansson. But Croucher and the rest of the Braves broke completely loose in the second, scoring 10 goals in the frame. Croucher scored three more goals in the second for a game high of four tallies, Josh Clayton also added three goals for a hat trick, Taylor Hamilton scored twice, and Kyle Tafelski and Jansson both scored for the 11-1 lead. The game evened out in the third period, with the Braves only scoring twice, once on Tafelski's breakaway goal and once on Curran Persinger's marker at the end of the game. Notching assists for the Braves were Jansson (4), Sam Poetter (2), Graham Day, Hamilton, Persinger, and Tafelski. Jack Spaulding continued his hot streak, winning his eighth straight start in net, stopping 20 Elk shots. The win moves the Braves to 7-1-1 in league play, which clinches the South Division SWOHSHL Title, the first for the Braves since 2009. Talawanda hosts Dublin Scioto tomorrow at 2:15pm in a non-league tilt, going for its second straight weekend sweep.
Game 16: Goggin Ice Center, Friday January 10, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Whitmer Panthers (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 11-4-1; SWOHSHL 6-1-1)
The Braves trounced the visiting Whitmer Panthers 9-3 behind strong goaltending by Jack Spaulding, who earned his 11th win this season stopping 22 shots. Talawanda took command early, taking a 7-1 lead at the end of the second period, then coasted to the win in the third. Goal scorers for Talawanda were Taylor Hamilton (4), Tristan Rowland, Tameer Bakkar, Josh Clayton, Cody Kieffer, and Fisher Tobias. Assist leaders were Sam Poetter (2), Hamilton (2), Ford Clay, Brennan Prince, Zane Marsh, Kyle Tafelski, Gabriel Adkins-Lamb, Clayton, and Rowland. Tomorrow night the Braves host Centerville on Senior Night at 4:45pm at the Goggin. Senior night festivities begin at 4:20pm. Admission is only $1 on Senior Night, so pack the house to watch two titans of the SWOHSHL battle in their only league match of the year. A win guarantees Talawanda the outright South Division Championship.
Game 15: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday January 5, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. St. Xavier Bombers (2:20pm) (THS Braves Overall 10-4-1; SWOHSHL 6-1-1)
Talawanda beat SWOHSHL South Division rival St. X 3-1 in a league showdown Sunday in Oxford. After skating to an opening night 5-5 tie in November, the Braves proved their mettle against the Bombers in January when it counted the most head-to-head, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period on an early goal by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Evan Bartlett. Talawanda put the game out of reach 2-0 in the second period on a beautiful cross ice feed by Sam Poetter to Thomas Jansson, who had beaten the St. X defense deep, burying the one-timer while the Braves played shorthanded. St. X made it close in the third with a late goal, but Jansson matched the effort on an unassisted tally with only a minute left in the game, ruining the Bombers' comeback hopes. Jack Spaulding earned the win in goal, playing his best game of the season while stopping 35 shots. Next weekend the Braves host three games in Oxford, Toledo Whitmer on Friday night at 7pm, Centerville for Senior Night on Saturday at 4:45pm with a special $1 entry for all fans, and Dublin Scioto on Sunday at 2:15pm for the season's home finale.
Game 14: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday January 4, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Elder Panthers (6:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 9-4-1; SWOHSHL 5-1-1)
The Talawanda Braves continued their dominance of SWOHSHL Division foes beating Elder 11-0 to maintain its first place standing in the South. Leading the Braves in scoring with goals were Josh Clayton (4), Thomas Jansson (3), Christie Gray (2), Sam Poetter, and Ford Clay. Assist leaders were Tameer Bakkar (2), Seth Poirer (2), Poetter (2), Brennan Prince, Tristan Rowland, Gray, Jansson, and Clayton. Jack Spaulding earned the win in goal for the Braves, turning back an Elder penalty shot in the third period to preserve the shutout. Talawanda returns to the ice Sunday afternoon at the Goggin Ice Center at 2:20pm, hosting St. X in a SWOHSHL showdown for first place .
Game 13: Dayton, Friday January 3, 2014, Talawanda Braves V. Centerville Elks (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 8-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
In non-league action in Dayton, Talawanda came back from an early 4-2 deficit to best the Elks 5-4 on Centerville's Senior Night. After giving up an early goal to Centerville, Talawanda tied the game at 1-1 on Taylor Hamilton's unassisted goal, then repeated the cycle giving up another goal to the Elks then tying it at 2-2 on Sam Poetter's unassisted goal. But Centerville dominated the remainder of the first period, scoring back-to-back goals to lead decisively 4-2 at the end of the first period. In the second, Poetter turned the tables on the Elks, cutting the lead to one on a goal off a feed from Kyle Tafelski, then tying the game at 4-4 with his third goal of the game on assists by Hamilton and Tanner Eck. In the third period, the two titans of the SWOHSHL battled to a stand off until Thomas Jansson buried a wrister at 13:40, using Poetter's pass on an odd man rush to win the game 5-4. In net, Jack Spaulding earned the win with 30 saves for Talawanda. Tomorrow night the Braves host Elder in a SWOHSHL matchup at Goggin Ice Center at 6:15pm.
Game 12: Toledo Ice House, Sunday December 22, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Toledo Whitmer Panthers (9am) (THS Braves Overall 7-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda visited Whitmer Sunday and pummeled the hosts 11-0. Jack Spaulding earned the shutout in goal for the Braves. Many Braves entered the scoring column with goals including Ryan Vonderhaar (2), Taylor Hamilton (2), Evan Bartlett, Tanner Eck, Kyle Tafelski, Christie Gray, Zane Marsh, Graham Day, and Ford Clay. Assist leaders in the game were Sam Poetter (3), Tanner Eck (2), Luke Morrish (2), Kyle Tafelski (2), Thomas Jansson (2), Alex Holt, Clay, Vonderhaar, and Bartlett. The Braves take a holiday break from game action before returning to the ice against Centerville in a non-league tilt on Friday January 3, 2014, at South Metro at 6pm.
Game 11: Bowling Green, Saturday December 21, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Maumee (6pm) (THS Braves Overall 6-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda came back from an early 3-1 deficit to pound Maumee 10-5 in non-league action in Bowling Green Saturday night. Maumee took an early 2-0 lead in the first period before the Braves hit the scoring column on a blast by Curran Persinger on feeds from Taylor Hamilton and Sam Poetter. After Maumee scored its third goal early in the second period, Thomas Jansson took over for the Braves, scoring back to back goals within thirty seconds and shifting the momentum of the game back to Talawanda along with a 3-3 tie. Then Taylor Hamilton piled on, scoring back to back goals late in the period to make the score 5-3 before Maumee answered at the end of the second to get as close as they would get to the Braves for the rest of the evening, 5-4. Talawanda dominated the third period, with Jansson scoring three more times , Hamilton adding his third goal of the night, and Seth Poirer hitting the back of the net to finish the Braves' scoring at 10-5. Hamilton led all scorers with 7 points on a hat trick and four assists. Jansson's 5 points came on 5 goals, and Sam Poetter matched his output with 5 assists on the game. Kyle Tafelski (2), Tanner Eck, Evan Bartlett, and Brennan Prince all added assists to the scoring column. Talawanda's Jack Spaulding stopped 17 shots by Maumee and Talawanda fired off 48 for the game. The Braves travel to Toledo tomorrow for another non-league matchup with Whitmer.
Game 10: Cincinnati Gardens, Friday December 20, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Elder Panthers (8pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-4-1; SWOHSHL 4-1-1)
Talawanda shutout Elder 9-0 in SWOHSHL Southern Division action Friday night at the Gardens, moving Talawanda into sole ownership of first place in the Division after St. X's late loss to Springboro in the Garden finale. The Braves took a commanding 5-0 lead in the first period, with Sam Poetter starting the scoring early on a feed from Taylor Hamilton. Hamilton then scored on a penalty shot after a Panther defender fell purposefully on a loose puck in the crease. Curran Persinger made it 3-0 on a feed by Hamilton, and then Hamilton scored again unassisted to make it 4-0. Seth Poirer closed out the first period scoring on assists from Zane Marsh and Adam Vonderhaar. In the second period Poirer scored again on helpers from Marsh and Vonderhaar, Thomas Jansson scored on a pass from Poetter, Tanner Eck scored unassisted, and Hamilton finished the Braves' scoring on a feed from Graham Day. Both teams went scoreless in the third frame. Jack Spaulding earned the shutout in net for the Braves. Talawanda continues its busy weekend with non-league games when it visits Maumee in Bowling Green Saturday night and then faces Toledo Whitmer in Toledo on Sunday morning.
Game 9: Dayton, OH, Friday December 13, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Springboro Panthers (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-4-1; SWOHSHL 3-1-1)
The Braves and Panthers battled to a 1-1 tie through two periods, with Talawanda tying the score in the middle of the second period on a goal by Sam Poetter, assisted by Zane Marsh. The two SWOHSHL titans scuffled through most of the third period locked in a goalie dual until Springboro scored back-to-back goals just 20 seconds apart to take a 3-1 lead. Poetter notched his second goal on a feed from Taylor Hamilton at 11:30 of the third period, but the Braves were denied a tie. A laser shot by Talawanda's Thomas Jansson with just 1 minute remaining looked to have dented the twine just south of the crossbar, but the officials called it off the crossbar allowing the Panthers to escape with a key win. Jack Spaulding stopped 28 shots for the Braves, and the Braves had 28 shots on the night in an end-to-end affair in the Braves' best game of the season, despite the loss, to date. Talawanda hosts Thomas Worthington Saturday at 5:15pm at the Goggin Ice Center in a non-league tilt.
Game 8: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday December 8, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Alter Knights (2:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-3-1; SWOHSHL 3-0-1)
Talawanda shutout Alter at home in SWOHSHL action Sunday 12-0, dominating play from the puck drop. Jack Spaulding stopped 7 Alter shots in goal to blank the Knights. Many Braves entered the scoring column today, including goals scored by Taylor Hamilton (2), Fisher Tobias (2), Thomas Jansson (2), and Ryan Vonderhaar, Adam Vonderhaar, Alex Holt, Tanner Eck, Tameer Bakkar, and Luke Croucher. Notching assists for THS were Ryan Vonderhaar (3), Zane Marsh (2), Sam Poetter (2), Adam Vonderhaar, Tristin Rowland, Kyle Tafelski, Brennan Prince, Evan Bartlett, Jansson, Eck, Holt, and Tobias. The Braves continue SWOHSHL action next Friday against Springboro in Dayton at 7pm and host a Saturday tilt with Thomas Worthington at the Goggin at 5:15pm.
Game 7: Dayton, OH, Saturday December 7, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Beavercreek (7pm) (THS Braves Overall 3-3-1; SWOHSHL 2-0-1)
The Braves bested the Beavers in SWOHSHL action 4-1 Saturday night at the STIC in Dayton. Talawanda built a 2-0 lead in the first period behind goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Ryan Vonderhaar, and by Tanner Eck, assisted by Luke Croucher and Evan Bartlett. But the Beavers hung around, chipping in a power play goal at the beginning of the third period to cut the Brave lead to 2-1. Then Sam Poetter iced the game on a point blank shot near the end of regulation on a feed from Thomas Jannson to make it 3-1, just before Tanner Eck notched an open net goal assisted by Bartlett as time expired for the 4-1 finish. Jack Spauding stopped 12 shots for the win, while the Braves tallied 40 shots on net. The Braves host Alter in its second SWOHSHL tilt of the weekend Sunday at Goggin Ice Arena at 2:15pm.
Game 6: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday December 1, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Cuyahoga Valley (9:55am) (THS Braves Overall 2-3-1; SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
The Braves salvaged the fourth game of the DiPaolo Tournament, taking home a win against Cuyahoga Valley 9-1. The Braves scored 7 times in the first period then cruised to the victory. Jack Spaulding stopped 13 CV shots for the win in goal. Players scoring for the Braves were Sam Poetter (hat trick, 3 goals), Gabe Adkins-Lamb (2), and Thomas Jansson, Adam Vonderhaar, Curran Persinger, and Luke Croucher added single tallies. Adding assists were Fisher Tobias (Playmaker, 3 assists), Taylor Hamilton, Ryan Vonderhaar, Luke Morrish, Poetter, and Croucher. The Braves visit Upper Arlington next Friday night December 6 at the Ice Works at 6:30pm in non-league action, then meet SWOHSHL opponents Beavercreek (Saturday) and Alter (Sunday).
Game 5: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday November 30, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Carmel (IN) Gold (3:35pm) (THS Braves Overall 1-3-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Talawanda battled highly touted Carmel Gold to a 3-0 loss Saturday in the third game of the DiPaolo Tournament. After a scoreless first period, the Braves had a 5-on-3 power play but couldn't convert. Carmel took advantage of several Talawanda penalties, putting the game away in the second period on two goals, and iced the game in the third with its final goal. Talawanda threatened the entire game, but couldn't take advantage of Carmel's defensive miscues or penalties. Jack Spaulding stopped 20 shots for the Braves and the Braves managed to get 20 shots on goal. Talawanda faces Cuyahoga Valley in the finale of the tournament Sunday at 9:55am.
Game 4: Goggin Ice Center, Friday November 29, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Providence (IL) Celtics (5:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 1-2-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Providence dominated the contest with Talawanda from the opening puck drop, posting five goals in the first period, and cruising to a 10-1 victory over the Braves in game two of the DiPaolo Thanksgiving Tournament in Oxford. The Braves entered the scoring column in the second period, avoiding the shutout on a goal by Evan Bartlett, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. Jack Spaulding faced 52 shots by the Celtics, and the Braves only managed nine. On Saturday November 30, Talawanda faces Carmel (Gold) at 3:45pm at Goggin Ice Center.
Game 3: Goggin Ice Center, Friday November 29, 2013, Talawanda Braves v. Mason Comets (11:30am) (THS Braves Overall 1-1-1, SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
In the opening game of the 2013 DiPaolo Thanksgiving Tournament, Talawanda dropped a 6-4 decision to Mason. The Braves took a 2-1 lead in the first period on goals by Taylor Hamilton, assisted by Alex Holt and Ryan Vonderhaar, and Thomas Jansson scored on a power play goal assisted by Hamilton. But the Comets tied the game at 2-2 in the first, and took a 4-2 lead in the second period, dominating play. But in the third period, the Braves came roaring back to tie it at 4, scoring its third goal on a feed from Curran Persinger to Jannson, and then on a power play Seth Poirer took passes from Sam Poetter and Taylor Hamilton to knot the score. However, this would end the Braves scoring, and Mason capitalized on several THS miscues to ice the game with two late goals in the third period. The Braves (1-1-1 on the regular season) continue tournament play this evening taking on Providence, Illinois.
Game 2: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday November 23, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. Sycamore Aves (THS Braves Overall 1-0-1; SWOHSHL 1-0-1)
Game two of the season's opening weekend went Talawanda's way as the Braves shutout Sycamore 5-0 on home ice. In front of a big crowd on Pad B, Thomas Jansson started the scoring early in the first period on a feed from Luke Croucher to make it 1-0. Tanner Eck scored on passes from Taylor Hamilton and Graham Day for a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period. The rest of the Braves' scoring came in the second period starting with a power play goal by Kyle Tafelski on assists by Tanner Eck and Curran Persinger. Persinger added the fourth goal unassisted, and Jansson capped the scoring at 5-0 on assists by Zane Marsh and Sam Poetter. In goal, Jack Spaulding earned the shutout by stopping 10 shots by Sycamore. Jack Wocks stopped 60 shots for the Aves, as Talawanda pressured Sycamore the entire game. The Braves host the DiPaolo Tournament Thanksgiving weekend, beginning with its opening game at 11:30am Friday November 29 against Mason.
Game 1: Cincinnati Gardens, Friday November 22, 2013, Talawanda Braves V. St. X Bombers (THS Braves Overall 0-0-1; SWOHSHL 0-0-1)
In the opening regular season game of 2013-2014, The Talawanda Braves skated to a 5-5 tie against Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League (SWOHSHL) rival St. X at the Gardens in Cincinnati. The Bombers started the scoring in the first, but Talawanda quickly tied the game on its first goal of the season by Thomas Jansson assisted by Sam Poetter. X scored on a power play goal at 11:20 in the first period and extended its lead to 3-1 at 13:03. But the Braves roared back in the second period on an unassisted goal by Freshman Luke Croucher at 1:18 to make it 3-2 and then tied the score at 3-3 on Jansson's second goal of the night, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. X took a 4-3 lead midway through the third period but the Braves knotted the score at 4-4 almost immediately on Jansson's third goal of the night, his first career hat trick, assisted by Croucher. At 9:51, X lucked out on a found goal, but the Braves tied the score for good at 5-5 on a bomb by Curran Persinger from the point, assisted by Taylor Hamilton. The game ended in a flurry of opportunities for both teams at each end in the final minute, but the teams skated away with a hard fought tie. Talawanda outshot X on the night 30-25. Jack Spaulding earned the tie in goal, making 20 saves for Talawanda. Talawanda's next game is Saturday November 23, 2013, at Goggin Ice Center, 5:15pm, versus SWOHSHL foe Sycamore.