The Jesuit Rangers Varsity Bronze Hockey team played electric this past Thanksgiving weekend in Washington, DC. Jesuit secured a championship through an abundance of close-scoring games.
Currently, the Varsity Bronze team ranks 5th in the Dallas East Hockey division. Notable Sophomore players are Thomas Fino ’25 (7 GP, 6 G, 3 A) and Gage Gutierrez ’25 (8 GP, 3 G, 6 A). Notable junior players are Asher Yarbrough ’24 (8 GP, 4 G, 2 A) and Liam Placke ’24 (8 GP, 4 G, 2 A).
Game #1
The tournament’s first game featured a matchup of Jesuit vs. Bishop O’Connell. An ecstatic match, going back in forth but Jesuit goes down 2-1. In a clutch effort, Everett Sahadevan ’25 scores in the final minutes of the third period. But, in the game’s last two minutes, Bishop O’Connell strikes. Bishop O’Connell won 3-2.
“We outworked them and outplayed them but we fell short of a good goalie.” – Gage Gutierrez ’25
The Rangers fell short in this matchup, but they would eventually meet Bishop O’Connell in the finals. Due to this loss, the Jesuit Rangers must win the next two games, guaranteeing a spot in the championship.
Game #2
In game two, the Jesuit Rangers face off against Spalding. The rangers successfully dominated the game, winning 5 – 3. The Rangers were led by Liam Placke ’24. He scored three goals, securing his first hat trick.
Game #3
A tightly contested game, going back and forth. This game against DeMartha decided who would advance. Initially, the rangers go down one early in the first but strive to gain the equalizer. Starting the 2nd period, Thomas Fino ’25 scores a beautiful goal, dangling through the entire opposing team off the faceoff. Now 1-1, both teams are looking for the goal into the championship. Finally, Asher Yarbrough ’24 scores, securing the win.
Championship Game
Facing off against Bishop O’Connell, the rangers start hard and fast. Jesuit created multiple scoring chances and domination over the game. Finally, the rangers scored, making it 1-0. But Bishop O’Connell scored quickly, tying the game at 1-1. The Rangers then scored their 2nd goal in the 3rd period, winning the game.
Notable player Liam Placke ’24 won tournament MVP with three goals. Nowhere short, Liam Placke ’24 helped bring this team together through the initial loss using his leadership.
“Liam Placke showed great leadership and charisma towards the team throughout the tournament.” – Thomas Fino ’25
Summary
The Jesuit Dallas Varsity Bronze hockey team showed exemplary effort and dedication. Jesuit will return to Dallas with their first tournament victory. Join the Varsity Bronze hockey team on December 11 at the Richardson Ice Rink, where they will play Lovejoy!
Photos
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/capital
https://jesuitrangers.org/sports/hockey-junior-varsity/roster/2021-22
