High School Ice Hockey: First Annual Paul VI Cup Overflows with Spirit Saturday, March 8, 2003 By Mike Costantino SJSports Staff Writer mcostantino@sjsports.com Coming off an exciting season that included a strong showing in the SJHSIHL Tournament, the Paul VI Eagles met the Paul VI Panthers, a team from Fairfax County, Virginia in the inaugural series featuring the varsity and junior varsity teams from two schools bearing the same name. The idea was born when a parent involved with the hockey program in Virginia, came across the Paul VI Eagles web site. After contacting club president Barry Isbert, an agreement was made that each year the teams would take turns traveling to the other’s rink and play an exhibition game between the varsity and junior varsity squads. The Eagles dominated the junior varsity game as they won easily 12-3. Most of the team contributed goals as Adam Cantiello, Matt Darnell, Dan Whitzer and Jared Brasten led the Eagles. The varsity game was closer as Panthers goalie Ryan DiAndrea made several outstanding saves early to keep his team close but the play of Brett Balco, Rich Ferro, Brett Doyle and Dustin Isbert helped the Eagles prevail. Each year the winning team will display the “Cup,” at their school and this year the PaulVI Eagles will proudly display both cups. The spirit displayed by the fans and the enthusiasm showed by the players was a great way to start a new tradition. Photos by Joanne Costantino

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