St. Thomas Academy rides momentum into the Boys’ State Hockey Tournament
[anvplayer video=”4851683″ station=”998122″]
St. Thomas Academy didn’t have much to crow about in the early part of the season going 5-5 in their first ten games, but it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. The Cadets won 13 of their last 14 games to make it to the state tournament.
"I have to admit it took a little time for the team to understand my style of play, but when they started getting confidence the team has taken off and hasn’t looked back," said Trent Eigner, St. Thomas Academy hockey coach.
***To see video from St. Thomas Academy prepping for the state tournament, CLICK PLAY ABOVE***
Eigner is in his first season as the Cadets coach taking over for brothers Tom and Greg Vannelli. Eigner led Lakeville North to an undefeated season in 2014-15 and capped it off with a state championship. He’s hoping for a little magic this season to win another title.
"Winning a state title does give you a little street cred with the players here at St. Thomas Academy, but you still need to prove yourself every day and put in the work and that’s what this team has done," Eigner added.
St. Thomas Academy's Trent Eigner gets set for his first state tournament game as the Cadets new head coach.[KSTP/Jeff Brioschi]
Be on the look out for junior Jackson Hallum who leads the Cadets in scoring with 35 points, including 18 goals and senior net minder Tommmy Aitken, who gives up a mere two goals per contest. If St. Thomas Academy wins state it will be the team’s first championship since 2013 when they were playing in Class 1A.
St. Thomas Academy will take on top seed Andover on Thursday night at 6:00 P.M. at the Xcel Energy Center.