I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. PRHC Hockey had a busy week before Turkey Day, with three games: Capo, Damien, and a crossover CAHA game with West Ranch. Opening against the Capo Coyotes was going to be a tough first game coming off a long road trip in Dallas.
The Coyotes game was a mid-week affair, and not what we expected. Capo made quick work of the boys, with the Firebirds ultimately losing 7 -1. It seemed like the jet lag from Dallas was adding some weight to their legs.
Next up was Damien on Saturday back in Carlsbad. It was a tight game and even saw Damien jump out to an early lead in the 2nd. After working hard, the boys headed for the locker room for an ice cut in between the 2nd and 3rd periods. Not sure what coach Ben told the boys, but they came out with a different swagger and put 3 up on the board in the final frame to secure the win.
Finally, PRHC headed north to Anaheim Ice to play the West Ranch Wildcats from Valencia, CA area. The Wildcats play in the LA Kings High School league, and the game was a qualifier for the CAHA State playdowns for USA Hockey Nationals. The game was tight with the scoring going back and forth throughout the game, but in the end the Firebirds found the energy to get the win 6 – 4.
The Firebirds went 2-1 on the long week, respectable coming from Dallas, ultimately posting a 5–3 record over the last 3 weeks. Several Firebirds claimed points, including Dante Gaudio (’24), David Han (’24), Abel Martinez (’22), and Olin Silverman (’22). Logan Mazzella (’25) got two goals and Colton Clapham (’22) got 4 during the last 3 games. PRHC is back to work facing Fairmont Prep next on December 1st in Irvine.