Gahanna Lincoln High School Hockey History
In the Beginning
The Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions Ice Hockey program began in 1998 as a club team. Steve Ott was the original head coach, and remained with the program for several seasons.
Recent History
2006-2007 Season
Progress was not as evident, but a senior class of 8 players led the Lions to an 11-20-2 record. The future looks brighter, as six freshmen played regular shifts. Five players were honored by the Capital Hockey Conference at the end of the season, and two were in the top 10 in the league in scoring. Coach Jack Hoogeveen retired with a 39-109-8 record after 5 seasons.
2005-2006 Season
The improvement continued, as a senior class of 7 players, most of whom were members of the first Varsity team, lead the Lions to a 14-16-1 record. The team was 6-0-1 in overtime games, and won third place in the Strongsville and St. Charles Thanksgiving Tournaments. A record number of players were honored by the Capital Hockey Conference at the end of the season.
2004-2005 Season
Much improvement was seen, with two seniors leading the charge to a 5-23-5 season. There were 5 other one-goal losses, and 4 two-goal losses. A strong junior class of 11 players, and 10 sophomores, plus 5 freshmen contributed. The Junior Varsity team was established, achieving a 7-17-1 record under new coach Ted Lucky. The Lions won their first CHC games, two wins over Dublin Scioto.
2003-2004 Season
The 2003-2004 season was a rebuilding year, with the loss of eight seniors keenly felt. The Lions posted an overall record of 2-29 with a roster containing only two seniors and just three juniors.
2002-2003 - Becoming a Varsity Sport
In the 2002-2003 season, the Lions were recognized as a varsity sport, and competed for the first time at the varsity level. Jack Hoogeveen and Whit Tonnessen took over as coaches, and the team had a very good season, reaching the second round of the Ohio state playoffs with a victory over St. Charles. Eight seniors, who had helped to found the initial club team, led the team to 6-21 record.