Third straight title for Academy A hockey team

Third straight title for Academy A hockey team
DYER IN. – Saturday, the CMA Varsity A Hockey team traveled to Dyer, IN to take on Zionsville Hockey Club for the ISHSHA 4A 2018-19 state championship.
It was the third trip to the state championship game in three years, having claimed the title in both 16-17 and 17-18.
CMA trailed 1-0 early on and all the way into the third period. It wasn’t until 12 minutes remained in the third period that Vlad Eustace was able to cash in and tie the game at 1-1.
Shortly after the game-tying goal, CMA was called for several penalties causing them to play man-down and allowing Zionsville numerous scoring opportunities.
CMA goaltender Nick Gill was up to the task, however, denying Zionsville and keeping the game knotted at one.
“Gill was outstanding for the second year in a row,” said assistant coach Jeff Henderson.
With six minutes remaining in the final period, CMA’s Gavin Fritch was able to capitalize on a CMA power-play and give the Eagles the boost they needed to ultimately claim the championship.
“The team spent a great deal of time this season learning how to work together, on and off the ice,” said head coach Jeff Badalich. “Coach Henderson had a slew of new ideas. We worked with Kim Bowman on team-building and Darrell Knowlton on composure while under pressure. In the tournament, that work paid off. We had a great group kids this year.”