December 15, 2025 by Elias Prodger (‘26)
The Saratoga Springs High School varsity hockey team fell just short in the finals of the Don Kauth Tournament on its home ice at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink the weekend of December 5.
The Don Kauth Tournament was named in tribute to Kauth, who lost his life in the South Tower on September 11, 2001, and whose daughter, Kathleen Kauth, was a bronze medalist for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. The tournament included three other teams from around the state: North Rockland, St. Francis Prep, and the Capital District Jets, which encompasses five high schools from the Capital Region.
Semifinal vs. Capital District Jets (December 5)
Saratoga’s offense was the star from the opening draw, maintaining a constant stream of shots and crucial faceoff wins to keep the puck in the offensive zone throughout the first period. This pressure resulted in two goals by forwards Matthew King and Landon Poultre, putting the Blue Streaks up 2–0 at the end of the first period.
The second period was defined by its chaotic nature. Physical play between the two sides intensified, keeping the game close to the boards. After an additional goal from Brody Durant gave the Streaks a 3–0 lead, the Jets responded, cutting the lead to two.
The Jets continued pressing after giving up a shorthanded goal to Poultre, scoring once more with a slap shot to bring the period to a close at 5–2.
From the opening faceoff of the third period, it was clear that the Blue Streaks’ offensive line had become too much for the Jets to contain. An early goal from sophomore Tommy Krogman put Saratoga up 6–2, securing the win and advancing the Blue Streaks to the tournament final the following day.
Tournament Final vs. St. Francis Prep (December 6)
Warmups for the championship matchup between Saratoga and St. Francis featured back-and-forth chirps, setting the tone for a physical game. Saratoga struck quickly, as Brady Durant scored just 42 seconds after the opening puck drop. A top-shelf goal from Jacob Bryson late in the first period was answered by St. Francis, sending Saratoga into intermission with a 2–1 lead.
The intensity increased in the second period with a series of hard hits and multiple cross-checking penalties that put both teams on the power play. St. Francis took the lead with two strong slap-shot goals, but Tyler Nadolny scored with one second remaining in the period to tie the game 3–3 heading into the third.
The third period featured tight defense and limited scoring chances, and the game remained tied at the end of regulation, forcing a three-round shootout. Saratoga sent out Tyler Nadolny, Matthew King, and Quinn Camora, but all were stopped. Two shootout goals from St. Francis secured the tournament title.
Saratoga’s record now stands at 1–0–1 on the season.