CHRISTIAN HOLTON//KENZIE WINSLOW

On Saturday, Feb. 27 Vista’s ice hockey team defeated Cherry Creek to advance to the semifinals. This is the school’s first ever appearance in the state tournament final four. Vista got off to a quick start against Cherry Creek, scoring four goals in the first six minutes. Cherry Creek responded by then scoring three goals to lead Vista 3-2 after the first period. Vista then tied the game up late in the second period with a power play goal. The game remained tied until 12 minutes into the third period when Kaden Stewart capitalized on a power play opportunity to put Vista ahead. Vista maintained their lead and won 4-3.

The victory came exactly one week after Vista lost to Cherry Creek by a score of 2-3.

“It was a lot of fun,” said junior Kaden Stewart, who scored the game winning goal, “I got lucky though, the puck bounced through a couple of guys, it came to me right in front of the net. It was a big stress relief.”

Vista will take on Regis this Thursday at 7 p.m. The game is at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland. The first time Vista  played Regis this year, they lost 4-3. The winner of the game will advance to the championship and play against the winner of Monarch verse Ralston Valley.