Relentless Vikings Top Crusaders 2-0

The Francis Howell Vikings officially kicked off their 2025-26 regular season just like they ended their preseason, shutting out the St. Dominic Crusaders, 2-0.

Assistant Captain Sean Gilmore took advantage of a Crusaders defensive miscue, snapping a wrist shot into the back of the net, unassisted, with 9:01 left in the second period.  Less than a minute later, Assistant Captain Jonas Blankenship picked up his first point of the young season,  taking Junior Brayden Brandhorst's pass and burying the shot at 8:16 of the second.

The Vikings were busy on special teams. Howell successfully killed off four penalties, while going 0-6 on the power play.

Senior goaltender Easton Bristow got the nod in net for the Vikings.  The senior continued his scoreless-in-2025 streak, turning away all 17 shots he faced.

Francis Howell (1-0-0) will play Wentzville Holt (1-0-0) on Nov. 7 at the Rec Plex.  Game time is 9:30 pm