The Gordon Conference is widely considered the toughest ice hockey league in the state of New Jersey.

Facing a competitive tournament slate as the number two seed, Christian Brothers Academy rolled through its opponents en route to the ninth Gordon Cup in program history.

The Colts finished the job on Friday night, downing top seeded Don Bosco, 2-0, at Codey Arena.

It was CBA's defense that propelled them to their first Gordon Cup since 2016. After allowing one goal in the opening game against St. Augustine, Christian Brothers shut out Bergen Catholic in the semifinals before doing the same to Don Bosco in the final.

"It starts with JD [goalie John Donohue] and his leadership between the pipes," head coach Andy Gojdycz '96 said. "He wants it and guys feed off his enthusiasm. He preaches to our defensive core to just let him see the puck and confidently he reminds them he will stop it."

Donohue saved 25 shots that the Ironmen sent his way. The sophomore goalie hasn't allowed a goal in over 114 minutes dating back to the first round game against St. Augustine.

The Colts would need just one goal to win the Cup and it came less than five minutes into the game.

Senior defenseman Chad Schneider scored on a clearing attempt in an unusual play, but CBA capitalized on their good fortune for the rest of the game.

Senior forward Kyle Contessa added an empty net security goal as time was running out in the third.

Christian Brothers has won all three contests against Don Bosco, including two shut outs.

"It’s hard to shut out a Gordon opponent twice in one season, especially if it’s Don Bosco," Gojdycz said.

With the Gordon Cup coming back to Lincroft, the Colts now turn their attention to the state tournament.

CBA was announced as the number one seed in the state tournament last week.

"I came into a program with kids, especially seniors, that wanted to win a state title," Gojdycz said. "The Gordon gives us confidence, but more importantly it was a goal that was announced from day one. We currently have two checked boxes from training camp out of three. Just one more left to attain."

Christian Brothers will host the opening round of the state tournament at Jersey Shore Arena on Monday, March 2nd.