The Walter Johnson Icecats began their season facing off against B-CC in a scrappy, classic “Battle of Bethesda” matchup on Friday, Oct. 17. Last season, the Wildcats faced the Barons several times, including a memorable meeting in the county championship. With not only bragging rights but also a state tournament berth on the line, WJ pulled off a tight 3-2 victory to advance, before falling to Oakdale in the second round of states.
Both sides were eager for the puck to drop after a year apart, and the intensity ramped up immediately. The Wildcats set the tone with physical defensive play, delivering heavy hits to halt the Baron’s attack.
The game ended with a dominant 5-1 Icecat victory, sending the Barons home with a rivalry win in their back pocket to begin the season with optimism.
The following week, Wildcat fans carried their homecoming spirit from the football field to Cabin John Ice Rink to support the Icecats. Sporting their new black sweaters, the Wildcats traveled a short distance to face off against the Patriots. Wootton came out onto the ice rolling from the get-go.
Despite WJ’s strong effort, the Cats struggled to generate scoring chances against a tight Patriot defense. Wootton capitalized on their opportunities, finding the back of the net six times to hand the Icecats a 6-3 loss. Sophomore Finn Carr was responsible for all three goals, adding a hat trick to his resume.
“We are missing a leadership factor,” junior Matthew Corwin said. “Our team has always been very good, and there’s always been guys to rely on, but now that all those guys have graduated, the captain and assistant captain have to take the leadership role and start scoring to produce.”
Determined to bounce back, the Icecats laced up again to take on the Sherwood Warriors the following week. Sherwood, who advanced to states last season, presented a tough challenge on both ends of the ice.
The puck dropped and the fight for dominance began. The Warriors struck first late into the first period on a fast break, chipping the puck into the top corner of the net. This kick-started the Warriors’ momentum for the rest of the game.
The Wildcats responded with grit on defense, holding the Warriors scoreless for much of the second period. Junior goalie Isaac Russ anchored the backline, keeping Sherwood attackers out of his crease. Late in the second, the Icecats finally broke through, burying a backhanded rebound to tie the game at one and shift the energy back in their favor.
“As a goalie, I stay composed by focusing on my own job and taking it one shot at a time,” Russ said. “I try not to get frustrated and instead bring positive energy to the bench and on the ice. If the offense is struggling, I’ll encourage my teammates, keep talking to them, and show through my play that I’m confident and keep us in the game.”
Sherwood came out hot in the third period, scoring just 32 seconds after the puck dropped and ending the Cats’ short-lived momentum. The Warriors added another goal shortly after to take a 3-1 advantage. WJ cut the deficit to one midway through the period on a quick counterattack, but Sherwood responded with two late goals to put the game out of reach. The Icecats fell 5-2, resulting in their second consecutive loss.
“I think our biggest trouble is getting the puck in the back of the net,” Corwin said.
The Icecats looked to rebound against Churchill on Friday, Nov. 6. The game opened with a familiar scrappy energy, but Churchill controlled possession from the start. Their steady pressure in the neutral zone kept the puck pinned in the Wildcats’ end, and just over two minutes in, the Bulldogs capitalized on a loose puck during a crease-side scramble in front of the net.
The remainder of the period brought little change. Churchill’s blue-sweatered skaters dictated play on both sides of the blue line and carried a 1-0 lead into the break. The second period offered the Icecats few offensive sparks, and despite holding Churchill scoreless, they entered the final frame still trailing by one.
With under two minutes left in regulation, the Bulldogs sealed the game with a clean one-timer from the point. The Wildcats’ offensive struggles resurfaced, and Churchill’s disciplined defense kept them off the board for a full 45 minutes.
The Icecats now head into a much-needed bye week before facing the Whitman Vikings on Nov. 21.
“The bye week will be used to rest, recover, and refocus on team goals to come back stronger,” Carr said. “Our priorities have been set and we need to hit the next game hard.”
