Hockey

Leonardtown 6, Ryken 0

The streaking Raiders (8-4) blanked St. Mary’s Ryken on Wednesday at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf to wrap up the third and final playoff spot in the upcoming Southern Conference playoffs.

Nick Pontorno earned the hat trick for Leonardtown, which has won its last seven games. Alec Guarnero scored twice, Jonathan Schroeder had a goal and an assist and Nick Wright, Travis Haffer each added an assist.

The Raiders, who scored three times in the first period, outshot the Knights 20-14.

The Knights (4-8-1) saw the return of scoring sensation Nathan Blondino to the lineup for the first time in months. He played primarily on defense as Ryken eases him back into action.

Northern and Huntingtown are still jockeying for the first seed in the playoffs, which begin Feb. 13 at the Capital Clubhouse.

MICHAEL REID