From the very first day of training camp in August, it was clear that this year's First Hockey team meant business. With a wave of new faces and a fire lit by last season's near-miss, the Saints entered the 2024-2025 campaign with one goal: Win the Prep Hockey Conference.
 
Fueled by the team's motto of #CBC: Champions Before Champions, the boys committed early to the discipline, work ethic, and unity it takes to become champions long before a trophy is ever lifted. As Coach Manning reminded them, "You can't simply flip a switch and become a champion at any time – it starts in August."
 
And start they did. The Saints stormed through the early part of the season, going undefeated in eight GOJHL games and sweeping every Junior B team on the schedule for a second consecutive year. That momentum carried into a stellar season record of 42 wins and just 12 losses.
 
The secret to this year's success? A mature commitment to playing the game the right way. The team's defensive structure tightened, attention to detail increased, and every player bought into the importance of the little things – the result: hard-fought, grind-it-out wins and a team capable of rising to any occasion.
 
Two defining moments of the season etched themselves into school history:
 

• Winning the MacPherson Tournament on home ice with the entire SAC community behind them. In a dramatic finale, Alex Carscadden netted the overtime winner against Bishop Kearney, sending the La Brier Family Arena into a frenzy.
• Capturing the Prep Hockey Conference Championship, achieving the ultimate goal. After defeating South Kent 7-4 in the quarterfinals, the Saints overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat three-time defending champions Shattuck-St. Mary's 4-3 in the semis – sparked again by a clutch go-ahead goal from Carscadden. In the finals, the team exacted revenge on Northwood, dominating en route to a 5-1 victory and hoisting the PHC trophy for the first time.

 
This championship season was a product of relentless determination, next-level teamwork, and a deep belief in the process. And none of it would have been possible without the support of the entire SAC community. Thank you for lifting this team every step of the way.
 
Season Awards
 
Most Improved Player – Alex Carscadden
Voted on by teammates and staff, this award honours a player who epitomized growth, grit, and big-game moments. Alex was a do-it-all centre who dominated both ends of the ice, scored two of the team's most critical goals of the season, and never took a shift off. His commitment to improving every day earned the respect of everyone in the room.
 
Most Valuable Player – Michael Dec
Presented in memory of Steven R. Creber '90, this prestigious award recognizes a player whose passion, consistency, and leadership stood above the rest. Michael Dec was electric all-season, driving internal competition in practice, elevating the team's play, and dazzling fans with his offensive magic. Michael not only led on the scoresheet but became the heartbeat of the team. A worthy MVP and one whose Andrean legacy is just beginning.
 
Congratulations to the entire First Hockey team on an unforgettable season, from champions before champions to champions at last.