For the first time since 2022 and the fourth time in program history, the Priory Ravens varsity hockey team are Wickenheiser Cup champions.
After going 13-4-2 during the regular season, the Ravens entered the Wickenheiser Cup playoffs as the No. 4 four seed. The team went 2-1 in round robin play, picking up wins over Eureka and St. Dominic to advance.
In the quarterfinals, the Ravens squared off with Eureka again and won both games by the scores of 5-2 and 5-3. In the semifinals, it was another sweep taking down Wentzville Liberty 3-1 in game one and 4-2 in game two.
In the championship, the Ravens took on top-seeded Rockwood Summit. In the first period, the Falcons struck first with a power-play goal.
However, one minute later, George Gaertner ’28 netted the equalizer off assists from Freddy Gaertner ’26 and Liam Kallaos ’29.
Just a mere 20 seconds later, the Ravens took the lead with Max Nadaud ’26 finding twine. The offensive outburst continued with Frederik Erri ’29 scoring his third of the playoffs, giving Priory a commanding 3-1 lead.
Prior to the period ending, though the Ravens tacked on another goal with 5.0 seconds left, as Freddy Gaertner ’26 scored his 12th of the playoffs, extending the advantage out to 4-1 after one.
In the second period, the Ravens scored three more times getting goals from Robert Gaertner ’28, Tripp Redmond ’28, and Freddy Gaertner, making it a commanding 7-2 game going into the third.
It was smooth sailing for the Ravens in the third with Max Nadaud putting the game away with an empty-net goal securing the 8-4 championship win.
Nate Sutto ’26 was stellar once again, making 32 saves. Freddy Gaertner was selected as the Most Valuable Player.
Despite the Ravens losing seniors Barrett Beimdiek, Freddy Gaertner, Max Nadaud, and Nate Sutto, the future is plenty bright for the varsity hockey team as they’ll look to defend their title in 2026-27.