by BROOKLYN, Ohio – The Avon Lake Shoreman win 4-3 against the Elyria Catholic Panthers in
over-time to take home the 2026 White Division Baron Cup.
Elyria came out strong, and fierce, scoring two goals within the first five minutes of the period.
Avon Lake was able to respond with a goal by senior Nathan Leprevost, assisted by senior
Kooper Nilson. Brought this exciting opening period to 2-1, with Elyria in the lead going into the
first intermission.
The second period started with a breakaway by the Panthers senior, Charlie Grimes. However,
the goal attempt was stopped by Avon Lake goal tender, Declan Roth. Both teams were hungry for the
win, playing good offense and defense alongside great man-to-man coverage.
With such a fast-paced second period, there were a few penalties along the way. Elyria got on the
power play towards the end of the second period, as Avon Lake Shoreman, Brady Gibel, was sent
to the penalty box for tripping. Avon Lake tried to make a move, but was denied by Elyria goal tender,
Dominic Morris.
With three minutes left in the second period, senior on the Avon Lake Shoreman, Kooper Nilson
ties it up at 2-2. Charlie Grimes was awarded a penalty shot but was denied the point by the
Shoreman’s sophomore goal tender, Declan Roth. Avon Lake managed to take the lead at the end of
the second period with a power play goal scored by sophomore Ryan Gibel.
With skates heavy on the ice, and tension in the air, the third period started off fast with Elyria on
the power play. Shortly after, Avon Lake had a power play. Neither team was able to score on either
power play, making it still a tied game.
However, with a little under five minutes left in the period, Elyria Catholic sophomore, Landon
Bean, scores tying it up 3-3.
With the end of the third period looming, Nathan Leprevost of the Shoreman, managed to get a
breakaway, but unfortunately was denied that attempt. A valiant effort was put in at the end of the
period, but both teams couldn’t find a way to score, sending this thrilling Baron Cup final into
overtime.
OT started out with a penalty on Avon Lake, giving the advantage to the Panthers. That quickly turned
into 4-on-4 for 14 seconds, then a continued penalty play for Avon Lake. Avon Lake senior,
Kollin Nilson was able to score on the power play, the winning goal to secure the 2026 White
Division Baron Cup.
