By Brian Sebastian
The Nordonia Knights Varsity Hockey team began their 2025-26 campaign in style with a pre-season scrimmage against the Strongsville Mustangs at Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday October 25th.
Nordonia got on the board first with a goal by defenseman Jack Henderson at the 12:11 mark of the 1st period. The Knights defensive unit is formidable and has the potential to put up big offensive numbers this season led by Senior Dominic Nanne along with Juniors George Henderson and Jack Henderson.
Strongsville responded less than two minutes later to even the score. The Mustangs added another goal with 1:38 remaining in the 1st period and took a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
Strongsville built upon their lead with a goal at the 6:24 mark of the 2nd period.
Coming out of the 2nd intermission and trailing 3-1 the Knights began to chip away at Strongsville’s lead. 4 minutes and 21 seconds into the 3rd period Senior Collin Schleman, who leads the offense got things started with an unassisted goal bringing the Knights to within one. With 6:56 remaining in regulation Schleman would knock in the tying goal, getting assists from Senior Evan Cerny and Junior Jack Henderson. Unfortunately the Mustangs would take the lead once again a mere 20 seconds later. That goal proved to be the difference in the game as Strongsville would go on to win 4–3.
Despite the loss, this close game and resilient effort against a higher ranked opponent, as the Mustangs play in the GCHSHL White division, which is a couple of notches higher than the Blue South division where Nordonia will be playing only proved that the Knights can truly compete with anyone this season.
Head coach Rich Cinalli‘s team will boast plenty of offensive fire power and defensive grit. Along with the aforementioned players, this year‘s squad is rounded out by emerging stars, Juniors Leo Lazoya and Zander Hunker along with returning Sophomores Sophia McNally and Isaac Casteel. Incoming players, Sophomore Madeline Sidoti along with Freshman Valissa Brown and Adam Abouhaslem will provide team depth for the next several years. The Knights Goaltending tandem is solid with Senior Preston Kanar and Sophomore Gavin Paulson each bringing superb net minding skills and a brick wall mentality.
Head coach Rich Cinalli will once again be joined on the bench by Assistant coaches Dominic Cinalli and Nick Asbury.
Cinalli adds, “I’m very excited about this year’s team. I think we will be very competitive and this will be a fun team to watch! The entire team has worked very hard in the off-season and they are anxiously awaiting their first regular season game next weekend.”
The Knights open their regular season Saturday November 15th with an away game against Notre Dame Cathedral Latin at the Mentor Civic Arena. They will play their home opener a day later, Sunday November 16th hosting Cleveland Heights at 7:10 pm at the Gilmour ice Arena, 2045 SOM Center Rd. Gates Mills. All fans and students are encouraged to attend and pack the arena.
All photos by Brian Sebastian
