The Upper Arlington Golden Bears became the second CBUS-area team to win the OHSAA state hockey championship with a 5-2 win over St. Ignatius Sunday at Nationwide Arena. It was only two years ago that Olentangy Liberty was the first Central Ohio squad to take the crown, beating University School 6-2.

There was no scoring in the first period as both teams played strong defensively. Upper Arlington got on the board first, just 1:07 into the second frame, when sophomore Ben Spence scored with an assist from sophomore Tate Rook. That was the only goal of the first two periods.

The third stanza would prove to be much different than the preceding two. Junior Conner Hagkull put UA up 2-0 with a goal just 1:08 into period. The Golden Bears would add three more in the next 6:39, with senior Jason Davis scoring twice and Spence picking up his second goal to give UA a 5-0 lead.

The Wildcats scored twice but they would never threaten the lead. Upper Arlington junior goalie Mason Herndon made 34 saves on the afternoon to allow his teammates to find their offense in the later stages of the game. Rook had two assists, while Spence and senior Max Bloomfield each recorded a helper.

The Golden Bears finished their season with a mark of 29-6-2.