The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mentor reaches 20 victories for first time in 13 years
Mentor basically played the role of the guest for a surprise party who already saw the balloons Jan. 26 against Hudson WRA.
The Cardinals had a hunch what was coming, but it was a special night nonetheless.
For the first time since the 2004-2005 season, Mentor reached 20 wins with a 6-0 rout of the Pioneers in Red North play at Mentor Civic Arena.
As expected, it was straightforward for the Cardinals (20-6-1, 5-3 Red North) against overmatched but gritty WRA (1-20, 0-8). Jack Heller scored four goals, including a natural hat trick in the opening period, to pace Mentor, which enjoyed a 69-6 shots advantage.
But this night was more about another step forward as a program for the Cardinals, who have had their fair share of lean years since they last reached the 20-win plateau 13 years ago.
“That was our goal for the year,” Mentor coach Paul McKito said. “We thought we could maybe get to that point. It was nice to get it tonight. It’s just a testament to the boys and how hard they’ve worked all season.
“Sometimes, that success pays off with the efforts they put forth in practice and way back in June and July when they’re hitting the weights and doing all of the off-ice conditioning in 90-degree weather. It pays off. It all translates into good hockey, and I’ve got to give them credit. They’ve worked really hard all year. The coaches and I didn’t really have to do too much — just steer them a little bit. And they’ve rowed the boat all season long.”
On a night during which McKito could throw out four lines and give plenty of players shifts, Heller made the most of his ice time to be sure. The junior forward had a hat trick by the 8:00 mark of the first with a variety — scoring on the backhand, on a rebound tally and on a first-class redirect from between the circles.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re dirty or not — they all show up on the scoresheet,” Heller said. “Yeah, my teammates gave me the puck in good areas, and I’m just there.”
Heller got his fourth 97 seconds into the third to cap a memorable night for him and for the program.
When asked when the last time was he had lit the lamp four times in a game, Heller responded it was probably squirts.
“That was a while ago.” Heller said with a smile.
As was the last time Mentor had 20 wins to its credit.
The Cardinals are just three years removed from going 6-27-1 and had seven straight under-.500 campaigns, including a 3-22-2 season in 2010-2011, until going 16-15-2 last winter.
“(Reaching 20 wins) is gaining confidence for the Baron Cup,” Heller said. “We’re a band of brothers in the locker room. We have really good chemistry with each other, so we just work hard and keep doing what we’re doing.”