Columbus, OH – The Gilmour Academy Lancers hockey team completed a dominant season, claiming the 49th Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state championship on March 15 with a 5-2 victory over Cleveland St. Ignatius at Nationwide Arena. The win avenged their only loss of the season, a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Wildcats on December 23, 2025. The championship caps a year defined by resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to building a program that extends beyond the ice.
For head coach John Malloy, the victory wasn’t simply about the score. “The overriding reality is we had lots of talent, and you need that to compete,” Malloy told the Cleveland Jewish News. “But these players have to form a team, play together, be happy with their roles and support each other, whether they’re playing well or not. This team epitomized all those things.” The Lancers finished the season with an impressive 36-1 record, punctuated by a 21-game winning streak.
A Season Forged in Resilience
The road to the championship wasn’t without its challenges. Last season ended in heartbreak with a 3-2 triple-overtime loss to University School in the regional semifinal. That defeat served as a catalyst for the team’s determination. “There was a group of players that decided they were going to do everything in their power to get to state and win it,” Malloy explained. Brady Panteck, the team’s captain at the time, played a crucial role in galvanizing the team, leading to intense off-season training and a renewed focus.
The core of the team consisted of 12 returning seniors who set the tone for the season. Key contributors included seniors Blake Baskin, a defenseman, and Simon Kunin, a forward, both of whom played instrumental roles in the Lancers’ success. Kunin hails from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, adding an international dimension to the team’s dynamic.
Beyond the Game: Building a Diverse Community
The Gilmour Academy hockey program distinguishes itself not only through athletic achievement but also through its commitment to inclusivity and global understanding. The Lancers roster and coaching staff reflect a diverse background, including two Jewish players – Baskin and Kunin – and three Jewish assistant coaches: Koby Greenberg, Adam Shemory, and Marc Soroka.
Malloy emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where players from different backgrounds can thrive. “One of the things we really focus on is trying to get these players to really become people of the world that will be influential in the future,” he said. “One thing you have to be able to do is be comfortable in settings with all different types of people. What better way than on a team with a number of players who have a different religion, come from a different background or are culturally a bit different?”
This commitment extends beyond the rink. Marc Soroka, for example, welcomed Kunin into his home for Jewish holidays, helping him feel integrated into the community. Similarly, the Baskin family provided support and a welcoming environment for all the players, particularly those living in the school’s dormitories. Andy Baskin, Blake’s father and the junior varsity head coach, intentionally chose not to coach on the varsity level to avoid any perceived conflict of interest with his son.
Championship Run: A Dominant Playoff Performance
Gilmour’s path to the championship was marked by dominant performances throughout the playoffs. They defeated Solon 10-0 in the district final, followed by a 6-2 victory over Shaker Heights in the regional semifinal. A hard-fought 3-2 win against University School in the regional final secured their place in the state championship game, where they faced Sylvania Northview, defeating them 4-0 in the state semifinal.
The championship game against St. Ignatius was a rematch of their earlier loss. Despite falling behind 1-0 early in the first period, the Lancers responded with resilience. Teddy Frizzie tied the game, and Johnathan Primiano scored late in the first period to give Gilmour the lead. Frizzie added another goal, while Alex Lazuka and Ben Slifko (with two assists) also found the back of the net. Goalie Donato Iacurci was instrumental in the victory, stopping 32 of 34 shots.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Malloy credited the team’s success to a consistent focus on the present moment. “We started early on getting the players to focus on the next shift,” he said. “You can’t do anything about what just happened so what’s going to happen? You have to prepare for the next shift. That became a good focus for us because we weren’t worried about who we were playing, who beat us, who didn’t beat us, how much we beat them before, none of that. We were just like, ‘OK, we’re going to have a good next shift. Let’s go.’”
While the state championship is a significant achievement, Malloy expressed that the bonds formed between the players are even more valuable. “That would have happened even if we had lost,” he said. “They really came together as a unit, family and a community. I’m really proud of them.”
The Gilmour Academy hockey program will now look towards the future, building on this success and continuing to foster a culture of excellence both on and off the ice. The OHSAA will announce details regarding next season’s schedule and playoff format in the coming months. The OHSAA website will be the official source for updates.
What do you think about Gilmour Academy’s championship run? Share your thoughts and congratulations in the comments below.
