The Olentangy varsity ice hockey team (Lewis Center, OH) will play a home non-conference game against St. Charles (Columbus, OH) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Ice Hockey to know:

What: Ohio High School Ice Hockey
Who: Olentangy vs St. Charles
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Olentangy and St. Charles: A Closer Look at Two Rival Ice Hockey Teams

As the 2024-2025 ice hockey season progresses, two Ohio teams—St. Charles and Olentangy—are creating excitement with their competitive matchups and impressive records. While both teams have had their share of triumphs and challenges, the rivalry between these two is heating up, especially after Olentangy’s dominant 5-1 victory over St. Charles in their most recent meeting.

Team Overview

St. Charles (24-25)

With a solid record of 13-3-1 overall, St. Charles has demonstrated strength and consistency in the 2024-2025 season. Their home record stands at 4-2-1, while they have performed even better away with a perfect 4-0 mark. However, their non-conference play is where they truly shine, boasting a 5-1 record. In terms of scoring, St. Charles averages 4.0 goals per game, with a goals-against average of just 3.1.

Key players include Luke Myers (#43), who leads the team with 3 goals, and Tommy Scharfenberger (#49), who tops the assist category with 3 assists. Goalie Dylan Bell has been a major factor in their success, sporting a 1.7 goals-against average, which is well above average.

Olentangy (24-25)

Olentangy enters the season with a respectable 5-2-1 overall record, including an undefeated conference record of 3-0-1. They have also been strong at home, with a 4-1 record, but have struggled slightly on the road with a 1-1-1 mark. The team’s overall performance is buoyed by a strong defensive unit, allowing just 17 goals so far this season. Olentangy averages 3.3 goals per game, and they have consistently kept their opponents at bay.

Olentangy’s top scorers include key contributors in both goals and assists. Their defensive unit has been outstanding, with goalie performances that have kept the team competitive in every matchup. Olentangy has managed to outscore opponents in key moments, including their 5-1 victory over St. Charles last month.

Head-to-Head Performance

In their recent head-to-head battle, Olentangy took the upper hand with a commanding 5-1 victory. This victory, held on November 17, demonstrated the strength and cohesion of Olentangy’s roster. St. Charles, known for their aggressive offensive play, could not contain Olentangy’s fast-paced attack and strong defensive play.

The win also highlighted Olentangy’s depth across all positions, as they were able to outlast St. Charles on the scoreboard with a balanced offensive and defensive approach.

Scoring and Defensive Comparison

Scoring Averages

• St. Charles: 1.9 goals in the first period, 1.1 goals in the second, and 0.9 goals in the third, averaging 4.0 goals per game.
• Olentangy: .3 goals in the first, 1.0 goals in the second, and 0.8 goals in the third, averaging 3.3 goals per game.

St. Charles has shown they can come out strong, but Olentangy has been effective in limiting their scoring opportunities and ensuring their defense holds firm through the later stages of games.

Defensive Performance

• St. Charles: 3.1 goals against per game, with Dylan Bell providing a standout performance in net.
• Olentangy: A more balanced approach to both offense and defense, with a slight edge in goals allowed (17 goals total compared to St. Charles’ 25).

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a similar slate of opponents, but with differing results. Here’s a brief comparison:

• St. Charles: Has a 5-1-1 record against common opponents, including impressive wins over teams like Archbishop Moeller (4-3 and 5-0).
• Olentangy: Is 3-0-1 against similar teams, including a dominant 4-1 win against Olentangy Orange.

Their performances against shared opponents show that while both teams are highly competitive, St. Charles has faced more challenges in certain matchups.

Looking Ahead

As both teams continue to refine their strategies and player dynamics, the remainder of the season promises more intense matchups, particularly as they prepare for key conference games and non-conference challenges. The upcoming contest on December 28th, where St. Charles will visit Olentangy for another heated rivalry game, will be crucial in determining who will assert dominance in their next meeting.

With both teams hungry for victory, and the stakes rising, it’s clear that St. Charles and Olentangy are among the best in Ohio, and their rivalry will remain one to watch throughout the season.

Conclusion

As we head deeper into the 2024-2025 ice hockey season, the rivalry between St. Charles and Olentangy will continue to captivate fans. Both teams have the talent, drive, and ambition to achieve greatness, but it is the team that can overcome their challenges and execute when it counts that will ultimately come out on top. Fans can expect thrilling games, intense competition, and a season full of promise as these two teams battle for supremacy on the ice.