Inspired SJP slips past BC High
WILMINGTON — Steve Hines entered the St. John’s Prep locker room prior to yesterday’s game in honor of his late son Derek, and delivered a speech about how Derek would get the same feeling before he would jump out of a helicopter during a mission as he would in the locker room before a hockey game.
That was all that needed to be said as the third-ranked Eagles came out flying from the opening faceoff and got two big goals from junior James Currier to take a crucial 3-2 decision over BC High at Ristuccia Arena in the fifth annual 1st Lt. Derek Hines Memorial Game.
Hines was a former SJP hockey player who went on to play four years at Army. After graduating from West Point, he joined the 173rd Airborne Division and was killed in action on Sept. 1, 2005, while conducting security operations in Afghanistan.
Prior to the game, the Hines family was presented with a check for $4,000 to benefit the 1st Lt. Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund, and the Prep players skated onto the ice wearing specially made jerseys bearing the Stars & Stripes. A jersey with the No. 23 and Hines’ name on it hung behind the Eagles bench.
“For us (as) a hockey program, to give a little bit back to the family, to give something to the foundation, it’s special for us, it’s special for me as a coach,” Prep coach Kristian Hanson said. “It’s something that we started five years ago and it’s grown into something pretty special.”
Hines would certainly have been proud of the hockey that was played as both the Prep (11-2-0, 5-1-0 Catholic Conference) and BC High (9-2-2, 4-1-2) put on a show for the packed house.
Cam Shaheen struck first for the Prep at 6:49 of the opening period, but freshman Ryan Shea tied it up on a BC High power play just over two minutes later.
BC High went ahead when Tom Besinger pounced on a rebound at 5:12 of the second, but St. John’s came right back one minute later when Currier finished an end-to-end rush to tie the game. Currier then popped in the gamewinner, firing a hard shot through a screen with 3:57 left in the middle frame.
“It’s such a good cause and when Mr. Hines came in and talked to us, coach Hanson didn’t have to say anything afterward,” Currier said. “He gave us (Derek’s) whole story, his work ethic. Never give up and do it for your team and for everyone around you. We knew coming into this game we couldn’t lose for not only our season, but for the whole foundation.”