WEST GOSHEN >> The West Chester East ice hockey team has been impressive all season long, going through the Ches-Mont without a defeat. But, the Vikings’ win Thursday night at Ice Line might been their most dominant victory to date.
West Chester East led from start to finish to roll to a 10-0 victory over West Chester Rustin in the Ches-Mont championship final. The championship was the third straight for East.
“I’m really happy for the guys,” said East coach Eric Wolf. “They deserve this. They really do. It’s a culmination of three years. Yes, it’s three in a row. It’s a culmination of going back-to-back undefeated in the Ches-Mont. It’s pretty special.”
“There really are no words to describe it,” said East captain Michael Cardarelli. “It’s my third, it’s my senior year. It’s something I’ll remember the rest of my life. The guys in this (locker) room are amazing guys. It was a team effort tonight.”
It took a mere 44 seconds for East to jump on top, something that they emphasized all year. Cardarelli gained the zone, and about 10 feet inside the blueline, flipped a shot that handcuffed goalie Gavin Bobst and slipped into the net.
“I was pretty surprised it went in,” said Cardarelli. “I was just trying to get it to the net and then get off the ice, I was pretty tired. Just thankful it went in.”
The Vikings’ quick start continued, as they recorded the game’s first five shots. Their best chance in the next few minutes came when Ethan Fredricks tipped a pass off the side of the net while he was uncovered. They finished the period outshooting the Golden Knights, 14-7.
The Golden Knights enjoyed spells of territorial advantage, but East goalie Jesse Davis was there to shut the door and not let them gain a foothold into the game.
“It’s awesome to get a shutout in a championship game,” said Davis, who made 14 saves.”Our defense played really well and helped get the shutout.”
Cardarelli’s brother, Joey, doubled East’s lead after walking in after getting a pass off a turnover, and beat Bobst over his left shoulder.
Michael Cardarelli made it 3-0 three minutes into the middle period with his second unassisted goal of the evening.
The Cardarelli show continued with Joey picking up his second to make it 4-0.
East received a five-minute power play when Rustin’s Kevin Hudak was given a match penalty for using ‘hateful, discriminatory language,’ according to the penalizing referee. The Vikings cashed in moments later as Trey Jefferis scored the first of a pair of goals to make it 5-0 after two.
“They’re strong. A very solid team,” said Rustin coach Rich Baker. “They’re one of the best teams we played all year, no doubt.”
The onslaught continued in the third as the Vikings put five more on the board. Tye Greenwalt scored with 6:06 left to end it due to the mercy rule.
The East players celebrated their trophy, but it is just the beginning of their postseason wish list.
“We’re looking to the future, for sure,” said Michael Cardarelli.
West Chester East 10, West Chester Rustin 0
WC Rustin 0 0 0 – 0
WC East 1 4 5 – 10
WC East goals: M. Cardarelli 2, J. Cardarelli 2, Jefferis 2, Kane, Tordone, Thornton, Greenwalt. .
Goalie saves: Bobst (WCR) 26, Hess (WCR) 3; Davis (WCE) 14.
