Spalding 3-peats as A Conference ice hockey champions

by Derek Toney

Caleb Young has had some frustration scoring goals this winter for Archbishop Spalding’s hockey team. So when his shot landed in the net late in regulation of Thursday’s MIAA A Conference title game, it was relief for Young and secured history for the Cavaliers.

Spalding defeated Mount St. Joseph, 4-2, at the Ice Gardens in Laurel. Michael McGuire, Patrick McGuire and Zach Holley each tallied for the Cavaliers (17-10-1 overall).

Young’s empty net goal with 91 seconds to play capped a near textbook final 15 minutes for Spalding, which became the first program to win three straight MIAA A titles since Calvert Hall College 15 years ago.  The Anne Arundel County school joined Calvert Hall (2008-2010) and Mount St. Joseph, which won the first nine A titles (1999-2007).

A few days against Kansas City’s bid for Super Bowl immortality fell woefully short, Spalding’s hockey dynasty entered rarified air Thursday evening.

“I’m still digesting it…it’s big for us,” said Cavaliers coach Rob Trantin. “It’s hard to win one and to have the resiliency and resolve, the dedication…it’s not just one game, it’s a whole season you got to play to prepare you for this. I’m really proud of these guys.”

“I don’t know where to begin. It’s been the best three years of my life playing with my teammates” said Young, a senior. “I couldn’t ask for better teammates, better coaches, it’s been an honor.”

Trantin said Young has been “snakebitten” this season converting scoring chances. He was banged up in his first shift Thursday.

Young, a senior captain, understands his purpose for the Cavaliers.

“This year has been more about leadership than a goal scorer…getting the guys going before the game, keeping them focused,” said Young. “It led us to a championship.”

The path wasn’t easy, especially in A play where it was only the Cavaliers, Mount St. Joseph and Calvert Hall. Spalding went 1-1-1 against the Gaels with the tie and loss in the previous two matches.

The Cavaliers had control early, getting scores from Patrick McGuire and Michael McGuire, in a 20 second span in the first period. Mount St. Joseph (14-5-3) answered just 30 seconds later as Connor Shahady scored off an assist from Cole Soren. 

With goalie Nate Carr settling in, the Gaels pulled on Ryan Currie’s solo effort with 2:24 left in the opening quarter. Spalding regained the lead on an unassisted score from Holley.

Cavaliers goalie Evan Snyder began imposing his will the final two periods. The senior, widely regarded as the best player in the MIAA A, stopped seven shots as Spalding managed two man-down situations.

Snyder said the Cavaliers played “simple hockey,” the final 15 minutes Thursday.

“We just battled. Everyone played their role,” said Snyder. “We played connected.”

After outlasting Calvert Hall in a shootout in the semifinals Wednesday, Mount St. Joseph had its first title since 2020 in its sights entering the third period Thursday. The Gaels had an extra-man chance midway, but Snyder and Spalding’s defense answered.

Mount St. Joseph coach Michael Marley, who has only one senior on his roster, said the Cavaliers’ championship mettle was the difference.

“They got a really good pipeline of players…year after year they always put together a good team ,” said Marley. “They got a lot of underclassmen who’ve been in this game year after year…sometimes it’s tough to dethrone the champs.”

The Cavaliers and the Gaels will compete in the Mid-Atlantic Prep (MAPHL) playoffs Tuesday. Mount St. Joseph will play Bishop O’Connell (Va.) in an opening round match at the Ice Gardens while Spalding takes on Paul VI (Va.) at Piney Orchard.

The Cavaliers are confident after making history Thursday.

“We used to be the team who would surprise a couple of really good teams, now we’re expected to win every year,” said Young, whose team has won five of the last seven A titles. “We’ve never had the most skill, but we’ve just outworked to win a game.”