Coming off the first half of a season packed with frustrating losses, the Oxford-Avondale United hockey squad started 2019 on a new foot with a 5-3 home win over Utica United.

Utica kicked off the game with a goal early in the first period, but OA came back to tie the game up by the end of the period. OA’s goal was scored by junior defender Donovin Thompson, who was assisted by junior Ethan Schneider.

Both teams kicked it into high gear during the second period, putting shot after shot on goal. Throughout the period, sophomore goalie Austin Spivey blocked all 16 shots that came his way. To pair with Spivey’s defensive efforts, sophomore forward Brendan Vogler got the puck past Utica defense to put OA up 2-1. In the goal, he was helped out by frequent assister, freshman Brian Budde.

By the end of the second period, senior defender Ben Pratt put another puck in Utica’s net to send OA into the final period up 3-1.

In the game’s final period, Utica was able to put two points on the board. But, Pratt put up two more for OA, giving OA the win and earning himself a hat trick for the game. In his goals, he was assisted by sophomores Jake Billis and Kyle Vogler, respectively.

Even though OA had a comfortable lead for the game’s final three minutes, Spivey defended the net as Utica pulled its goalie and put another skater on the ice to ensure Utica didn’t get any more pucks past him. Throughout the night, he made 39 saves.

The OA squad is now 3-9 overall. After travelling to Grand Blanc on Jan. 7, the boys will be back at it on Jan. 9 against Alliance.