Game 1: Mason (THS Braves Overall 1-0-0, SWOHSHL 0-0-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 2: Kenston (THS Braves Overall 1-1-0, SWOHSHL 0-0-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 3: Kent Roosevelt (THS Braves Overall 1-2-0, SWOHSHL 0-0-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 4: Mason (THS Braves Overall 2-2-0, SWOHSHL 0-0-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 5: Beavercreek (THS Braves Overall 3-2-0, SWOHSHL 1-0-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 6: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday December 7, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Centerville Elks (2:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 3-3-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0).
In a well-fought game to open the division against the Centerville Elks, the Talawanda Braves fell 5-1. Centerville started off the scoring, putting one past senior goaltender, Jack Spaulding, on a breakaway while on the penalty kill 2:50 into the first period. Their second goal was scored a man down again, on a break away with 30 seconds left in the first period. The Braves started off the second period strong, scoring halfway through the period on a pass from seniors, Curran Persinger to Josh Clayton, on to sophomore forward, Luke Croucher. Ending the second period only a goal down, the Braves surged into the third period. The Elks’ third goal was scored halfway through the third period, flying just over Talawanda's net minder on another breakaway from a defensive turnover at the blue line. The Elks’ fourth goal came four minutes later after an initial kick save by the goaltender that was unable to be cleared after rebounding toward center ice. The final goal of the game was scored by the Elks on a wicked redirect directly in front of Spaulding, sending the puck into the high stick side corner of the net. The Braves were a man down with one minute to go in the third period. By the end of the game, Spaulding had stopped 23 shots – a handful of which had been breakaways – and the Braves landed 21 shots on the Elks’ goaltender, one of which broke through. The Braves’ next game is on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 6:00pm at Goggin Ice Arena against AA Cincinnati Swords 18U team.
Game 7: Goggin Ice Center, Friday December 12, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Cincinnati Swords 18U (6:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-3-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0).
After back and forth play, the Braves opened the scoring with a goal by senior, Josh Clayton, from Brennan Prince and Fisher Tobias, with just over five minutes remaining in the period. The Swords quickly responded with two goals before the end of the first period squeaking by senior goaltender, Jack Spaulding. In the second period, the Braves struck back with the next two goals – both scored on the power play by forward Clayton, the first assisted by Alex Holt and Kyle Tafelski and the second assisted by Prince and Curran Persinger. The Swords came back and scored two more, pulling ahead 4-3. But the Braves tied it up before the end of the period with the goal coming on a backdoor feed from Persinger to sophomore Cody Kiefer. Heading into the third period, the Braves and Swords were tied but on a quick goal the Braves pulled ahead on an even strength goal by Gabe Adkins-Lamb from Evan Bartlett. After minutes of tense play, the Swords again tied the score at 5-5 with ten minutes remaining in the third period. Regaining the lead on a second goal by Adkins-Lamb, assisted by Bartlett and Clayton, the Braves got a momentary lead before the Swords struck back and again tied the score. This would not last as the Braves surged ahead, scoring the final three goals of the game – the first coming unassisted from Josh Clayton, the second was unassisted by Kyle Tafelski on the power play, and Kiefer sealed the deal with an empty net goal from Persinger – leading to a 9-6 win by the Braves over the Cincinnati Swords. The Braves’ next game is tomorrow, Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 7:30pm at Goggin Ice Arena against the Newark Generals.
Game 8: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday December 13, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Newark Generals (7:30pm) (THS Braves Overall 4-4-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0).
After a quiet start to the game with few whistles, Newark’s first goal was scored even strength on Jack Spaulding after a failed breakout from the defensive zone with only four minutes remaining in the first period. Newark struck again early in the second with another goal on Spaulding, sliding low stick side with little pressure on the shooter. But Talawanda responded on a breakaway, low wrist shot by Josh Clayton, assisted by Luke Croucher and Alex Holt, which slid by the Newark goaltender. The second period ended with another breakaway opportunity for Clayton and Croucher, but they were unsuccessful due to a hooking call on the Generals to end the period. During the power play to start the third, Croucher scored off a rebound shot by Persinger and Clayton to tie the game at 2-2. But the Generals responded with a two-on-one breakaway, scoring again in the third period. The Braves battled off a four-minute penalty kill on a double minor, but the Generals did not remain at bay for long, scoring on another low wrist shot from just beyond the circle. Fighting back, the Braves’ Croucher scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Curran Persinger, to bring the Braves within one. But Newark maintained their lead, squeezing in two more before the end of the game, leading to a 6-3 loss for the Braves. Your Talawanda Braves travel to Kent State for a tournament next weekend. Their next game is Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:00pm at Kent State against the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders.
Game 9: (THS Braves Overall 4-5-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 10: (THS Braves Overall 4-6-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 11: (THS Braves Overall 4-7-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 12: (THS Braves Overall 4-8-0, SWOHSHL 1-1-0) -- COMING SOON
Game 13: Cincinnati Gardens, Friday December 26, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. LaSalle Lancers (4:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-8-0, SWOHSHL 2-1-0)
In the opening game of the Elder hockey tournament, the Braves faced the La Salle Lancers in their third league game. Talawanda started the scoring with their first goal coming on a wrist shot in the slot by junior forward, Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Cody Kiefer and Curran Persinger, only 2:30 into the first period. The Braves were then able to fend the Lancers off during a 5 on 3 penalty-kill handily early in the first period. The second goal was scored by senior captain Persinger on a trench pass up the ice from Josh Clayton and Brennan Prince. The Braves put a third past the goaltender by senior forward Clayton from Prince. With seconds left in the first period, Bartlett threw one more past the goaltender from Tafelski and Marc Wolf. At the end of the first period, the Braves led 4-0. Both goals in the second period came back to back by Clayton from passes from Tafelski, continuing the bombardment of the Lancers goaltender. At the end of the second period, the Braves led 6-0 but entered the third period two men down. Early in the third period, La Salle's only goal came on the powerplay before one more was put away on a solo breakaway by Luke Croucher. The Braves won 7-1 over the Lancers. The tournament continues tomorrow with Talawanda's next game facing off against the St. X Bombers-- another league game -- at 12:30pm at the Cincinnati Gardens.
Game 14: Cincinnati Gardens, Saturday December 27, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. St. X Bombers (12:30pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-8-1, SWOHSHL 2-1-1)
The Braves faced off against league rival St. X at the Cincinnati Gardens in their second game of the Elder Tournament. After a tense and defensive first period of play, the Braves were down 1-0 to the St. X Bombers. Senior goaltender Jack Spaulding had faced 14 shots and the Braves had placed 6 on Bomber net minder Harding. The Braves scored their first goal in a 2 on 1 breakaway in the second period. After a low shot by Luke Croucher rebounded off Harding, senior Curran Persinger slammed the puck home tying the game 1-1. By the end of the period, with the Braves having three penalties called on them and having killed off two, the Bombers second goal was pushed the power play goal past Spaulding after a rebound to the slot with just over a minute left in the period. Spaulding had saved 25 shots by the end of the second period. After the ice cut before the third period, the Braves showed drive and doubled their shots on the Bombers. Receiving a short pass in the center from Kyle Tafelski, Josh Clayton carried the puck through the zone and put the Braves second goal past the goaltender to tie the game at 2. With a nerve wracking final 5 minutes, the Braves were able to keep the Bombers out of their net with some strong blocks by the team and spectacular goaltending by Jack Spaulding. The Braves next game is the same afternoon, facing off against the Elder Panthers at 5:00pm at the Cincinnati Gardens. It will be their last qualifying match for the tournament this weekend.
Game 15: Cincinnati Gardens, Saturday December 27, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Elder Panthers (5:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-8-2, SWOHSHL 2-1-2)
In the final qualifying game in the Elder hockey tournament, Talawanda faced off against the Elder Panthers at the Cincinnati Gardens. The only goal of the first period came from the Braves near the end of the period when sophomore forward Luke Croucher put junior Kyle Tafelski's rebounded shot away. The second period ended with no new goals but the Braves successfully killed off two back to back penalties, shutting down the increasingly aggressive Elder offense. Midway through the third period, Elder slipped two by goaltender Spaulding putting them ahead 2-1, but with 5.6 seconds left on the clock the Braves tied the game after pulling their goaltender. The Braves' final game of the tournament will be Sunday, at 2:00pm, against the Northern Kentucky Norse where they will battle for the honor of third place in the tournament.
Game 16: Cincinnati Gardens, Sunday December 28, 2014, Talawanda Braves v. Northern Kentucky Norse (2:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 5-9-2, SWOHSHL 2-1-2)
In a hard fought game, the Braves played club-team Northern Kentucky Norse for the third place trophy in the final game of the tournament. The Braves ended the first period two goals down and a man down with a penalty on Clayton as the buzzer sounded. Both of the goals were redirects in front of the net. During the second period the Braves tied it up. Their first goal was scored on a penalty kill by Curran Persinger on a stretch pass from Graham Day. The second was scored on a power play by Josh Clayton from Luke Croucher. But the tie would not last as two more were scored by the Norse before the end of the period on breakaway opportunities on Spaulding. Fighting to tie the game back up, Talawanda played a hard third period but the Norse scored two more to win 6-2. Braves ended the tournament in 4th place. Your Talawanda Braves return home to Goggin Ice Arena next weekend, January 3rd, to face the Sycamore Aves at 5:45pm.
Game 17: Goggin Ice Center, Saturday Janurary 3, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Sycamore Aviators (5:45pm) (THS Braves Overall 6-9-2, SWOHSHL 3-1-2)
For their first game home after the holiday tournament, the Braves hosted SWOHSHL competitor, the Sycamore Aviators. The Braves dominated play the entire game both on offense and defense - scoring nine goals by the end of the game and goaltender Jack Spaulding holding the Aviators to zero. The two goals in the first period were scored by Luke Croucher and seasoned veteran, Curran Persinger, with assists from Josh Clayton and Alex Holt. The second period brought three more goals, the fourth of the game being scored by senior forward, Marc Wolf -- his first goal as a Talawanda Brave this season -- on a rebounded shot from Cody Kiefer and Gabe Adkins-Lamb. The other two goals of the period were scored by Persinger, from Ivan Shires and Kyle Tafelski, and by Tafelski with the assist from Luke Morrish. The first goal of the third period was another first for the Braves, being scored by Luke Morrish with assists to Matt Deaton and Ivan Shires, just thirty seconds into the period. The next goal was scored unassisted by Luke Croucher and the final two goals of the game were both scored by Fisher Tobias, with assists to Croucher, Kiefer, Shires, and Holt. The Braves play tomorrow, Sunday January 4th, at the Goggin Ice Center in their last matchup of the season against the St. X Bombers at 2:20pm.
Game 18: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday Janurary 4, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Springboro Panthers (2:20pm) (THS Braves Overall 6-10-2, SWOHSHL 3-2-2)
Facing off in a league match, the Talawanda Braves faced the Springboro Panthers at Goggin Ice Center. The Braves struck first with senior forward Josh Clayton scoring unassisted with just over 2 minutes remaining in the first period. But 45 second into the second period, the Panthers tied it up with a powerplay goal and pulling ahead scoring again a few minutes later. The Braves were able to tie the game back up with their second goal coming shorthanded on a breakaway by captain Curran Persinger. The shots were even and play was competitive throughout the game but the Braves were hurt by their time in the penalty box. Penalties have been the Braves' kryptonite, having played a man down for 8 minutes of the second period. The Panthers pulled ahead again midway through the third period after multiple initial stops by the Talawanda net minder. The Braves attempted a valiant effort until the end, pulling the goaltender with a minute and 15 seconds left in the game, but they were unable to put another goal past the Springboro goalie, ultimately losing 3-2. The Braves next game is January 10th at Hobart Arena against the Troy Trojans at 4:15pm.
Game 19: Hobart Arena, Saturday January 10, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Troy Trojans (4:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 6-10-3, SWOHSHL 3-2-3)
In their first league game of the weekend, the Braves played the Troy Trojans on the road at Hobart Arena. Troy struck first with a powerplay goal, but the Braves returned fire before the end of the period with a powerplay goal scored by Luke Croucher, seconds before the penalty was about to expire. The second period was dominated by Talawanda, scoring two goals and keeping the Trojans on the penalty kill for most of the period. The second goal was scored on the powerplay with an unassisted goal by Curran Persinger - who finished the game with a hat-trick - to pull the Braves ahead. Persinger scored the third goal for the Braves on a pass from Kyle Tafelski, also on the powerplay. Persinger's third goal of the game came a mere twenty seconds into the third period, again on the powerplay for the Braves, putting the Braves ahead 4-1. But, again, the Braves were hurt by their time in the penalty box, with the Trojans scoring three goals in the third period, all with at least a man advantage, one of which was scored on a 5-3 penalty kill by the Braves and their final goal to tie the game being scored after they pulled their goalie with just under a minute remaining in the game. Talawanda played with tremendous heart and dedication, but were unable to keep their lead over the Trojans, and ended the game in a tie 4-4. The Braves face off in their next game against the St. X Bombers on Sunday, January 11, 2015, back home at the Goggin Ice Center at 2:15pm.
Game 20: Goggin Ice Center, Sunday January 11, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. St. X Bombers (2:15pm) (THS Braves Overall 7-10-3, SWOHSHL 4-2-3)
Your Talawanda Braves faced off for the second time this season against the St. X Bombers. Talawanda struck first and early on a powerplay goal by senior captain Curran Persinger, assisted by Luke Croucher. The Braves scored again just minutes later on a breakaway shot by Josh Clayton on a pass from Persinger. The Braves had two penalties in the late minutes of the first period but they held them off to stay up 2-0 at the end of the first. The Bombers came back with four minutes left in the second to score with the powerplay advantage of 4 on 3 players. But the Braves were resilient in the second period holding the Bombers to one goal despite numerous penalties. Superb play by senior goaltender Jack Spaulding helped hold the Braves in the game, stopping 29 of 30 shots faced. With five minutes left in the game the Braves pulled further ahead with a goal by Gabe Adkins-Lamb on a pass from Kyle Tafelski. Josh Clayton scored the final empty net goal with just over a minute left to play in the game, putting the Braves up 4-1 to beat the St. X Bombers at home. Next weekend, January 17-19th, the Braves travel to Strongsville, OH for their annual Walter F. Ehrnfelt Tournament over MLK weekend. Their first game is Saturday morning, January 17th, at 7:00am against Fairview Tigers.
Game 21: Strongsville OBM Arena, Saturday January 17, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Fairview Tigers (7:00am) (THS Braves Overall 8-10-3, SWOHSHL 4-2-3)
During their opening game of the Walter Ehrnfelt Memorial Tournament, the Talawanda Braves met the Fairview Tigers in Strongsville, OH. The Braves' first goal was scored by freshman Eddie Ingersoll, who scored his first goal as a Talawanda Brave and the first goal of the game four minutes in, but the Tigers tied it up not long after. The first period play was dominated by the Braves though they remained tied going into the second period. The second period started with the Braves' second goal scored again at the four minute mark on a breakaway by Kyle Tafelski. The Braves scored again on a breakaway by Josh Clayton after a fantastic leading pass by Curran Persinger. Ivan Shires ended the period scoring another goal for Talawanda with 2 seconds remaining - also his first goal as a Brave - after a scrum in front of the net. Assists went to Tafelski and Luke Croucher. Talawanda started off the third period strong with their fifth goal being scored on another breakaway by Clayton on a pass from Luke Morrish. Clayton scored his third goal of the game, sliding it in past the Tigers net minder's five hole on another breakaway pass from Persinger. The Braves struck one more time with a long shot by defenseman Alex Holt that was put in by Tafelski, assisted by Evan Bartlett. The Talawanda Braves played a balanced game, remaining strong on all fronts for the full 45 minutes. The Braves continue the tournament this evening, January 17, at 6:40pm against the Kalamazoo Blades at OBN Arena.
Game 22: Strongsville OBM Arena, Saturday January 17, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Kalamazoo Blades (6:40pm) (THS Braves Overall 8-11-3, SWOHSHL 4-2-3)
In their second game of the day, the Braves continued their tournament play for the weekend facing off against the Kalamazoo Blades. Although Kalamazoo struck first, the Braves tied it with just over a minute remaining in the period after a leading pass from Brennan Prince to Josh Clayton was put home over the goaltender's glove. The first period play was even, but the Braves dominated the shots and played strong defense to limit the shots on goaltender Jack Spaulding. After a rough beginning to the second period, Josh Clayton scored again on a rebounded shot from Graham Day. The Braves and Clayton's third goal for the hat trick came on a breakaway shot during a penalty kill. Talawanda's fourth goal from Curran Persinger came near the end of the second period during even strength play. After a pass from Prince and Clayton, Persinger drove it home past the leg of the Blades net minders' leg. The Braves entered the third period down 5-4 but Kyle Tafelski soared on a breakaway to tie the game a mere 30 seconds into the period. Despite intense play for the last ten minutes of the game and pulling the goaltender, Talawanda was unable to tie the game and lost 6-5. The Braves play their last consolation game of the tournament Sunday, January 18, at 4:40pm against the Strongsville Mustangs.
Game 23: Strongsville OBM Arena, Sunday January 18, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Strongsville Mustangs (4:40pm) (THS Braves Overall 9-11-3, SWOHSHL 4-2-3)
For their final qualifying game of the tournament, Talawanda played the host, the Strongsville Mustangs. The Braves came out swinging against the Mustangs, scoring 11 seconds into the game with a wrist shot from Josh Clayton after a board pass from Eddie Ingersoll. Their second goal was shorthanded on a pass from Evan Bartlett to Clayton to Curran Persinger. Strongsville's only goal of the period came just as the first penalty of a two-man advantage expired. The second period left the Braves with no new goals and the Braves headed into the final period tied with Strongsville 2-2. The third period was quick, with few whistles to stop play, but Curran Persinger slid his second of the night past the Mustang net minder on a pass from Kyle Tafelski to pull ahead 3-2 with four minutes left in the game. Exhaustion started to wear the lines thin though and the Mustangs tied it up one more time with just over two minutes left to play. But this was not to last as Kyle Tafelski drove the puck home to win it with 59 seconds remaining in the game. The Braves and goaltender, Jack Spaulding, survived a final flurry of shots after the Mustangs pulled their goaltender in an attempt to retie the game. With the win, the Braves will play the Kalamazoo Blades in the championship game of the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Memorial Tournament tomorrow morning, January 19, at 11:00am in OBM Arena.
Game 24: Strongsville OBM Arena, Monday January 19, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Kalamazoo Blades (11:00am) (THS Braves Overall 10-11-3, SWOHSHL 4-2-3)
Talawanda competed in the championship game of the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Memorial Tournament facing the Kalamazoo Blades a second time for the title. Talawanda’s first goal of the game came midway through the first period on a power-play. Curran Persinger scored the Braves’ first goal off a pass from Luke Croucher, which would be the only goal of the period. The Braves started the second period strong with Graham Day scoring with a wrist shot from the point on a pass came from Luke Morrish and Curran Persinger. Talawanda scored their third goal shorthanded on a breakaway by Curran Persinger after a pass up the ice from Josh Clayton. The Braves were able to kill off two penalties without any goals being scored on Jack Spaulding, who played well with a strong defense in front of him. Luke Croucher scored Talawanda’s fourth goal off of a rebounded shot by Kyle Tafelski. The only goal scored on Talawanda was a 2 on none breakaway minutes after the Braves’ fourth goal. The Braves' fifth goal of the game came on a breakaway by Josh Clayton with Morrish streaking up beside him with no defense to be seen. Clayton sneaked the puck just beneath the Blades net minder’s leg pad to score seconds before the second period expired. This was to be the last goal of the game as your Talawanda Braves held off the Blades to win the game and the tournament. The team took home the first place trophy and Josh Clayton took home the MVP award for the Braves. Talawanda's next game comes closer to home on Friday, January 23, at South Metro Sports in Dayton, OH at 9:00pm against the Springboro Panthers.
Game 25: South Metro, Friday January 23, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Springboro Panthers (9:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 10-12-3, SWOHSHL 4-3-3)
For the second time this season, Talawanda faced off against the Springboro Panthers. Even after a first period filled with powerplay opportunities for the Braves, they entered the second period down 2-0. The second period was in favor of the Panthers, taking 14 shots and the Braves only 2, scoring once and the Braves headed into the third down 3-0. The final score ended with the Braves losing 6-0 against the Panthers, only the second time they have been shut out this season. Talawanda plays tomorrow, January 24, again at South Metro Sports against the Alter Knights at 5:00pm.
Game 26: South Metro, Saturday January 24, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Alter Knights (5:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 10-12-4, SWOHSHL 4-3-4)
In their second game of the weekend at South Metro Sports, the Braves played the Alter Knights. After a scoreless first period, Talawanda's first goal of the game came early in the second period on an unassisted breakaway by junior defenseman Brennan Prince, who carried the puck end line to end line to score. But the Braves struggled to stay out of the penalty box and Alter scored on a 5-3 powerplay, so Talawanda entered the third period tied 1-1. Forward Josh Clayton scored the go ahead goal with under 10 minutes remaining in the third period on a pass from Brennan Prince. Sadly the Braves could not hold the lead and the Knights scored with just over a minute left in the game, again on a 5-3 powerplay. Talawanda pulled the goaltender with two seconds left for a final attempt but ended up tying the Knights 2-2. The Braves next game is Sunday January 25 at 11:00am against the Centerville Elks at South Metro Sports.
Game 27: South Metro, Sunday January 25, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Centerville Elks (11:00am) (THS Braves Overall 10-13-5, SWOHSHL 4-4-4)
At their final game of the weekend at South Metro, the Talawanda Braves faced off against the Centerville Elks. Although Talawanda started the game off rough allowing 3 goals in the first ten minutes, the Braves scored with just under a minute remaining in the first period. Kyle Tafelski took the breakaway down the ice off a pass from Graham Day. After the second period, the Braves were behind 4-1 and play had become rough but goaltender Jack Spaulding made some big stops for Talawanda, keeping the score within reach. The Braves cut the deficit in half early in the third period with another goal by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Cody Kiefer. Talawanda pulled even closer with a goal by Josh Clayton with the assist by Curran Persinger with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game. Goaltender Spaulding was pulled for the man advantage with a minute and thirty seconds left in the game but the Braves couldn't put a shot on net and the game ended 4-3. The Braves play at Goggin Ice Center on Friday January 30 at 6pm. Talawanda will honor their five seniors before puck drop, so come early to celebrate their success!
Game 28: Goggin Ice Center, Friday January 30, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Troy Trojans (6:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 11-13-5, SWOHSHL 5-4-4)
Talawanda hosted their final home game of the season against the Troy Trojans. The Braves scored early against the Trojans with a give and go between Curran Persinger and Luke Croucher, who slid one between the goaltenders legs on a powerplay. Troy tied it up, but not for long as Josh Clayton scored with assists from Persinger and Evan Bartlett. The Braves third goal from Clayton, assisted by Bartlett and Croucher, came during a delayed penalty when goaltender Jack Spaulding came off the ice for an extra attacker. Talawanda's fourth goal of the night was scored by Kyle Tafelski, assisted by Alex Holt. But Troy stayed in the game with two goals, one on the powerplay. The first period ended with the Braves up 4-3. The Braves' fifth goal of the game came 5 minutes into the second period on a wrist shot by Josh Clayton assisted by Persinger and Croucher. Their sixth goal was scored by Graham Day, unassisted. This was shortly followed by another goal by Tafelski, assisted by Cody Kiefer. Talawanda was up 7-3 at the end of the second period. Curran Persinger scored their 8th goal of the game on an unassisted, breakaway, short handed goal. Persinger then scored his second of the night in 4 on 4 hockey off a pass from Josh Clayton with 8 minutes left in the game. The Braves beat the Trojans 9-3, with a hat trick from Josh Clayton, two goals for both Curran Persinger and Kyle Tafelski, and one for both Graham Day and Luke Croucher. The Talawanda Braves play again tomorrow, Saturday January 31, against Findlay at the Cube in Findlay, OH at 6pm.
Game 29: Findlay Cube, Saturday January 31, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Findlay Trojans (6:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 11-14-5, SWOHSHL 5-4-4)
COMING SOON
Game 30: South Metro Sports, Thursday February 12, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Troy Trojans (7:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 12-14-5, SWOHSHL 6-4-4)
Talawanda again faced the Troy Trojans for the third time this season to start off the SWOHSHL Tournament. Although the Trojans scored first, the Braves tied it up with 3 minutes left in the first period. Coming off a penalty kill, Josh Clayton put one in the wide open net. Curran Persinger had the assist. Talawanda's second goal was scored 3 minutes into the second period on a wrister by Luke Croucher. Assist again went to Persinger. Their third goal came less than two minutes later on a powerplay slap shot by Curran Persinger. Persinger scored his second under a minute later on a rebounded shot from Luke Croucher, this time on the penalty kill. Curran closed off the hat trick for the night on another breakaway on the penalty kill just over a minute after his second. Assist to Josh Clayton. Sadly, after bombardment, the Trojans snuck their second past the Talawanda netminder with six minutes left in the 2nd period. This would not last as Kyle Tafelski put his first of the night past the Trojan netminder. The Braves went into the third period up 6-2. Penalties held the Braves back in the third, not placing as many shots on the Troy goalie as the previous two periods. The third period flew by with no goals either way, leading the Braves to a 6-2 victory over the Trojans. Talawanda's win advances them into the next round of the SWOHSHL tournament. They play on Saturday, February 14th, at South Metro Sports against the Springboro Panthers at 3:30pm.
Game 31: South Metro Sports, Saturday February 14, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Springboro Panthers (3:30pm) (THS Braves Overall 12-15-5, SWOHSHL 6-5-4)
In the second round game of the SWOHSHL Tournament, Talawanda faced the Springboro Panthers in the quarterfinal. The Panthers struck first but the Braves could not be held back as Josh Clayton streaked up the ice for an unassisted goal early in the game to keep it tied. The first period ended with the teams tied 1-1. But Springboro pulled ahead 7 minutes into the 2nd period on a breakaway, which was the only goal of the period. Talawanda netminder Jack Spaulding stopped 25 shots for the Braves, keeping the game close. The Braves put up a fight but lost 4-1, the last goal coming on an empty net. Their next game is for the first round of the OHSAA state tournament against Dublin Scioto at 8:30pm at the Ice Haus in Columbus, OH.
Game 32: Ice Haus, Friday February 20, 2015, Talawanda Braves v. Dublin Scioto Fighting Irish (8:00pm) (THS Braves Overall 13-15-5, SWOHSHL 6-5-4)
The Braves entered the Columbus District of the OHSAA State Hockey Tournament in the 14th seed against 23rd seeded Dublin Scioto. Play was quick to start off the game, but Talawanda drove up the ice for a three-on-one breakaway by Luke Croucher, Curran Persinger, and Josh Clayton. With a give and go, Crouch gave the puck off to Persinger who passed it up to Clayton for the first goal of the game. With just under two minutes left in the first period, the Braves put their second into the net after lots of traffic in front of the Irish net. Curran Persinger, assisted by Clayton, scored the second goal for Talawanda. The Braves controlled most of the first period going into the locker room up 2-0 at the end of the first period. Coming off the power play, Persinger took a shot at the net and after an initial save, Josh Clayton put home his second of the night to put the Braves up 3-0. With one second left on their next power play, Kyle Tafelski threw a wrist shot top shelf past the goaltender to keep the scoring going. Talawanda’s fifth goal came on a coast-to-coast breakaway by Josh Clayton – for the hat trick! – during a 5-3 power play for the Braves. Curran Persinger put in his second for the night on a power play goal, assisted by Clayton. Not long after, Kyle Tafelski scored again off a passes from Marc Wolf and Evan Bartlett for the Braves to go up 7-1 by the end of the second period. Talawanda couldn’t be stopped as they scored yet again on the power play. Luke Croucher scored his first of the night, assisted by Persinger and Tafelski. Josh Clayton then scored his fourth of the night, assisted by Persinger and Croucher, to put the Braves up 9-1. But this would not be the end as Graham Day scored his first of the night with half of the third period remaining. The last goal of the game came on a wrist shot by Curran Persinger off a pass from Luke Croucher to shut the game down with a final score of 11-1 over the Dublin Scioto Fighting Irish. With their win, The Braves move on to the next round of the tournament. Their next game will be tomorrow, February 21, at 8pm against the St. X Bombers at the Ice Haus in Columbus.
2013-2014 Game Stories
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.