A pivotal playoff matchup is set between the Aurora Greenmen and the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (NDCL) Lions in varsity ice hockey. After an up-and-down regular season, both teams are looking to extend their campaigns in a win-or-go-home scenario.

Season in Review: A Tale of Two Teams

The NDCL Lions (8-12-2) had a solid conference showing (6-2-1), finishing with a respectable .722 conference winning percentage. However, their overall performance was inconsistent, marked by a .409 overall win rate and a goal differential of -29 (94 goals for, 123 against). Despite some bright moments, NDCL struggled against tougher non-conference opponents.

On the other hand, Aurora (5-20-1) faced a more challenging road, finishing with just one conference win (1-12-1) and an overall win percentage of .212. Their defense proved vulnerable, allowing 146 goals while scoring just 67, a -79 differential. However, despite their struggles, the Greenmen showed flashes of potential, including a key 8-4 win over NDCL earlier in the season.

Scoring Leaders and Key Matchups

Both teams rely on standout players to generate offense. NDCL’s Nick Davis leads the way with 19 goals, while Luke Miller contributes with a team-high 15 assists. Meanwhile, Aurora counters with Will Adams, who has 17 goals, and Kale Hajek, the team’s top playmaker with 16 assists.

Between the pipes, Aurora’s Mathew Harrell holds a goals-against average (GAA) of 4.5, slightly better than the national average of 5.4. NDCL’s goaltending statistics are unavailable, but given their overall defensive record, keeping Aurora’s offense in check will be a major challenge.

Head-to-Head: Aurora’s Statement Victory

The two teams met once this season on December 30th, with Aurora pulling off an 8-4 victory in a neutral tournament game. That win serves as a confidence booster for the Greenmen heading into this playoff rematch. However, NDCL will be looking for redemption and has shown the ability to bounce back throughout the season.

Common Opponents and Trends

Both teams faced a tough schedule with common opponents like Twinsburg, Nordonia, Mayfield, and Lakewood. Aurora held a slight edge in common opponent performance (4-11-1) compared to NDCL (3-8). One notable difference is Aurora’s ability to pull off a surprising 6-4 win against Lakewood, a team that twice defeated NDCL.

Keys to the Game

1. Defensive Stability – NDCL must tighten up defensively after conceding 8 goals in their last meeting with Aurora. The Greenmen, with a GAA of 8.2, also need to improve their defensive play to avoid an early playoff exit.

2. Special Teams Impact – Power plays and penalty kills could be a difference-maker in a game between two teams with inconsistent offenses.

3. Goaltending Battle – If Aurora’s Mathew Harrell can put together a strong performance in net, the Greenmen will have a great chance to win. NDCL must find a way to keep the puck out of their own net after allowing over six goals per game against tough competition.

Final Thoughts: A Playoff Battle Awaits

Despite their records, both teams have an opportunity to rewrite their seasons with a playoff victory. Aurora will look to replicate their previous win over NDCL, while the Lions aim to avenge that loss and advance in the postseason. With both teams hungry for a deep run, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought contest.

Puck drops at 7 p.m.—playoff hockey is here, and anything can happen.