The three Arlington diocesan hockey teams recently concluded the season with mixed results.

The Ireton Cardinals, coached by Ray Fleury (with sons Brian and Tony) competed in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League Eastern Division.

The Paul VI Panthers, coached by Peter Grose and Mark Dycio, competed in the Western Division.

The O'Connell Knights, coached by Bruce Morgan and John Bessette, competed in the Maryland Scholastic Hockey League (tier one).

Ireton played an ambitious schedule, and finished with an overall record of 16-16. PVI finished with an overall record of 13-12 and O'Connell finished with an overall record of 9-11.

All three teams had down years when compared with last season. Injuries and youth played a major role.

Ireton, did not qualify for the playoffs, but won eight of their final nine games, including their final two league games against Langley and McLean.

Pacing Ireton offensively was junior Brandon Owens (54 goals, 12 assists), and seniors captain Ryan Wilharm, Drew Simmons and Blase Etzel.

Owens, a Washington Post All-Met selection, was selected the team’s player of the year as well as "All-Northern Virginia." He was selected to the Eastern Division All Star team. His 54 goals was one of the highest totals in Northern Virginia history.

Paul VI did not qualify for the league playoffs, but did earn its first-ever hockey trophy.

"The highlight of the season was in late December when we finished second in the prestigious Purple Puck Tournament and took home a trophy," said team general manager Mike Diandrea.

PVI defeated Bullis in the semi-finals, but lost to Bowie in the championship game.

Diandrea's son, Ryan, the starting junior goalie, was selected MVP of the championship game. Sophomore Brandon Simpers was selected MVP.

Pacing PVI offensively were sophomores Rob Creeger and Ryan Baldini. Ryan Diandrea had an amazing .920 save percentage for the season and was nominated for the All-Met team.

O'Connell did qualify for the postseason but lost its quarterfinal game to powerhouse Mount St. Josephs from Baltimore.

"In the Maryland league, every single league game is very competitive, and the playoffs are extremely competitive," said Coach Bruce Morgan.

Pacing O'Connell offensively was junior center Tim Willis (16 goals, 11 assists), sophomores Steven Pfister and Mike O'Brien, junior Mike Connell and freshmen Brandon Fay and Jon West. Danny Bessette, the team’s lone senior, was captain.