Story by Townsquare Media's Joe Erickson

When you turn 18, you officially become an adult.  And while there are no signature 18th birthday celebrations per se (unless it's the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) , scoring a goal and helping on two others is a pretty good way to blow out the candles.

For William Hammer of the Cathedral Hockey team, that was accomplished in the FIRST period Thursday night at the MAC against crosstown rival Apollo.  Hammer figured in on all three Cathedral first period goals including a great assist on a power play goal by Leo Lommel.

After period one, the Saint Cloud mini-mites entertained the mostly full house. In a great sign of sportsmanship and class, both Apollo and Cathedral remained on the ice to cheer on the four and five year-old boys and girls.

Joe Erickson
Joe Erickson
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Apollo controlled play in the first five minutes of the second , but found themselves down 4-0 after CHS Senior Chris Hornung rung one in off the far post.  Assists went to Trevor Cornelius and Phil Rueggmer.

Crusaders Sophomore Matson Courrier added a goal in the third to make it 5-0.  Halfway through the 3rd, Apollo got on the board with a Dallas Haugen breakaway.

Things got ugly late as tempers boiled over in the third.  It came to a head behind the Cathedral net that included most or all the skaters on the ice.  Seven penalties were assessed (six for unsportmanlike conduct) including a 5 minute major.

Yet at the end of the game, both teams took place in the post-game handshake. Final score...6-3, but it was not that close.  All and all, it was a very good birthday for Mr. Hammer.

 

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