COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Knights' of St. Francis de Sales hopes of a state hockey title came to an end in the Ohio state semi-finals, as Lakewood St. Edward (29-11-3) defeated the Knights 4-2 at Nationwide Arena.

St. Francis de Sales’ hockey team competed in the state hockey semi-finals in Columbus. The Knights lost to Lakewood St. Edward by a score of 4-2. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Stanley)

Knight senior forward Will Gerken scored both goals for the Knights and senior Mychael McAninch collected 18 saves.

St. Francis (19-14-3) had their chances, outshooting the Eagles 31-22; only to fall victim to St. Edward goalie Robby Ginsburg, who finished the night with 29 saves.

“That was very frustrating,” first-year Knight Coach Brian Kinsella said. “I thought we outplayed them. We kept coming in waves and had them tired out. We just couldn’t get the puck in the net.”

Mr. Gerken scored on a breakaway in the first, just 1:15 after a goal by St. Edward defenseman Alex Novack, to tie the game at 1-1.

In the second, the Knights grabbed hold of the lead when senior Chris Dyer’s shot was blocked by Mr. Ginsburg, but the puck ended up in front of the empty net, where Mr. Gerken knocked it in for the go-ahead goal. Ironically, Mr. McAninch received an assist on the goal, after he made a stop on a two-on-one breakaway by St. Edward.

Unfortunately for the Knights, the Eagles tied it on a breakaway with just 2:32 left in the period on Vinny Buttitta’s breakaway goal; forcing a tie going into the final period.

Early in the third, St. Francis sophomore Will Hartkopf took a shot out front, after a glove save by Mr. McAninch to keep it tied, but was denied again by Mr. Ginsburg.

Midway through the final period, the Eagle’s Brett Carter broke the 2-2 tie for the final time on a power play goal.

“I expected it to be a real tight game,” said Mr. Kinsella. “It came down to special teams. We made a few defensive errors. They did not outplay us, we just made three critical mistakes.”

Despite the loss, the Knights were strongly supported by over 300 students, and many alumni; creating a loud and eventful atmosphere.

“Our fans were tremendous,” Mr. Kinsella said.

The Knights graduate nine players this year, including captain Nate Connolly, and First Team All-Conference forward Chris Dyer, defenseman Louis Woody and goaltender Mychael McAninch.

“Playing with Nick and Chris is great. Chris’ speed left me open,” Mr. Gerken said.

St. Edward went on to beat Gate Mills Gilmour Academy 3-1 in the state final.

Kyle Stanley is a student at St. Francis de Sales High School.