The Cathedral Crusaders boys hockey team is in St. Paul Wednesday night making their first appearance at the State Tournament since 2009. Cathedral will take on Totino-Grace at 8 PM (1390 The Fan).

The Crusaders earned the #4 seed in the tournament with a record of 20-7-1 on the season.

CHS head coach Eric Johnson says the team was busy last night with an awards banquet and that they are just trying to stick to a normal routine as they prepare for tonight's 8 PM contest.

Cathedral beat Totino-Grace 5-4 on January 25th behind four goals from senior William Hammer, two of which came on the power play. The Crusaders led the game 4-2 going in to the third period, then held on for the win after a late Eagle flurry. Coach Johnson recalls the first meeting as a "very good hockey game."

CHS is led in scoring by Hammer with 53 points including 23 goals. Right behind Hammer is senior Matt Fritz with 38 points. Coach Johnson says that outside of the first couple of shifts, nerves should not be a problem for his team thanks to strong leadership.

Totino-Grace is the #5 seed in the tourney with a 17-10-1 record this season. The Eagles are led by senior forward Nick Tandeski with 31 points, with fellow senior Kai Barber notching 30 this year.

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