Lancers Varsity Edges Naperville in Thrilling OT Shootout Victory

Homewood, IL — In a dramatic Sunday showdown at HF Ice Arena, the Lincoln-Way Lancers Varsity hockey team emerged victorious over Naperville with a 3-2 win in overtime, capped off by a nail-biting shootout.

The game opened with high energy in the first period, as Lincoln-Way’s Vince Imhof struck first with an unassisted goal. Naperville quickly responded, leveling the score at 1-1. The second period saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither side able to break through.

Naperville regained the lead early in the third period, but Lincoln-Way answered back on a power play. Jack Drozdek found the back of the net, assisted by Joey Smuskiewicz, tying the game at 2-2 and sending it into overtime.

Despite several chances in the extra frame, both teams remained scoreless, setting the stage for a tense shootout. Naperville opened the scoring, but Carter Barr responded for Lincoln-Way. After Naperville’s second shootout goal, Mason Meskimen answered to keep the Lancers alive. With the shootout tied after 31 total shooters, Barr sealed the win with his second goal of the shootout.

Goaltender Jacob Bandzi was a wall in net, stopping 21 shots in regulation, 3 in overtime, and an impressive 14 during the shootout.