The notorious WJ vs. BCC sports rivalry is ferocious regardless of where the teams are facing off, but it always seems to hit a bit differently on the ice. While the origins of this cross-town rivalry go back years and years, the most memorable fan altercation took place just four years ago at Cabin John Ice rink. Words flying, fists following and motorcycle helmets coming out of the woodworks: this is Icecats vs. Barons hockey. They faced off again on Friday, Dec. 2, and the rivalry lived up to the hype.
“My brother’s [Avery Klotz, Icecat alumni] a big inspiration to me and I gotta carry on the tradition of hating BCC… I gotta come to this game prepared; bring his level of intensity plus some,” junior right wing and alternate captain Brendan Klotz said in a pregame interview.
Klotz kept his word and lit the lamp early, as well as lighting up the Barons picking up two roughing penalties along the way.
WJ came into the game boasting a 4-1 divisional record compared to BCC’s 2-1-1. The Icecats were favored to win and delivered with a 4-2 victory. Their offense proved to be too powerful once again and the defense held up their end of the stick to say the least.
The Icecats were quick out of the gates as Coleman Santy found the back of the net only one minute and 36 seconds into the game. This was the first of three first period goals for the Icecats; clearly dialed in as soon as their skates hit the ice.
“I think that first drive I created with an amazing goal by Santy created great momentum and got us up to a great start,” sophomore right wing Jack Potash, who assisted Santy, said.
The scoring slowed after the first period but the game remained intense. Numerous penalties were called on both teams and the Icecats power play/penalty kill units fought hard. They didn’t allow a single power play goal, scored one of their own, scored by Klotz and even put up a shorthanded goal, scored by senior captain Alex Chang.
While elite performances on offense have highlighted the Icecats season, amazing fore/backchecking have kept opposing teams struggling to break past the neutral zone. This remained true against BCC as they were limited to only 13 shots on goal compared to a whopping 32 from WJ. The team is continuing to mold into an extremely cohesive unit as the season develops and the chemistry in the locker room is reflected on the ice.
This is a group that wants to win. All the team get togethers at the beginning of the season (street hockey games, fundraisers, etc.) are paying off now as we face tougher competition and the stakes get higher.
— freshman defenseman Oliver Curtis
The Icecats next divisional matchup will take place on Monday, Dec. 12 at The Garden’s Ice House in Laurel, MD.
