Cherokee Premier Dominates Columbus, NCDC Battles in Saturday Road Matchup

The Toledo Cherokee traveled to Columbus on Saturday, November 7, for a USPHL doubleheader against the Columbus Mavericks, with both the Premier and NCDC teams looking to continue their strong starts to the 2026–27 season.

The Premier squad delivered an impressive 5–1 victory, while the NCDC team battled through a competitive contest before falling 3–2. With both teams positioned among the stronger performers in their respective leagues, the Cherokee continue to build momentum as November's schedule gets underway.

Premier: Cherokee Cruise to 5–1 Victory Over Mavericks. The Toledo Cherokee Premier team put together a commanding performance Saturday evening, defeating the Columbus Mavericks 5–1 at OhioHealth Chiller North.

Toledo wasted little time establishing control, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening period. Brayden Pryka opened the scoring at 9:31, followed by Jamison Rose at 15:05. Nolan Fischer extended the lead at 18:56, and Xander Kert added another just 40 seconds later, giving the Cherokee a commanding 4–0 advantage after 20 minutes.

Columbus answered early in the second period when Owen Abraham scored just 12 seconds into the frame, but Toledo's defense held firm for the remainder of the contest. Kert added his second goal of the evening at 5:39 of the third period, assisted by Rose, sealing the 5–1 victory.

Premier Game Highlights — Xander Kert: Two goals, including the final goal of the game. Jamison Rose: One goal and three assists, contributing to four of Toledo's five goals. Brayden Pryka: Opened the scoring in the first period. Nolan Fischer: Scored Toledo's third goal during the first-period offensive surge. Shots on Goal: Toledo outshot Columbus 31–20. Special Teams: Cherokee finished 2-for-10 on the power play while holding Columbus scoreless on eight opportunities.

The victory marked Toledo's fourth consecutive win and improved the Premier team's record to 11–3–0–0 through 14 games, with 22 points and a .786 points percentage. The Cherokee currently sit 12th in the USPHL Premier overall league standings, tied with Columbus in points but holding a superior points percentage with two fewer games played.

NCDC: Cherokee Fall 3–2 in Hard-Fought Contest. The Toledo Cherokee NCDC team faced a difficult road challenge against Columbus, ultimately dropping a 3–2 decision despite a determined second-period effort.

Following a scoreless opening period, Columbus struck first when Kenneth Cadwallader scored at 1:21 of the second. Toledo responded at 7:07 when Rhyle Shevlin found the back of the net, with Joshua Granowicz recording the assist, tying the game at one. Columbus regained the advantage at 18:38 on a goal by Jan Valenta, but the Cherokee answered dramatically at the end of the period. With the clock reaching 20:00, Charlie Nolette scored off an assist from Evan White, sending the teams into the third period tied 2–2. The Mavericks ultimately secured the victory when Douglas Loethen scored at 3:25 of the final period.

NCDC Game Highlights — Rhyle Shevlin: Scored Toledo's first goal of the contest. Charlie Nolette: Delivered a late second-period equalizer. Joshua Granowicz and Evan White: Recorded assists on Toledo's goals. Shots on Goal: Columbus held a 53–25 advantage. Special Teams: Toledo finished 0-for-1 on the power play, while Columbus went 0-for-2.

Despite the loss, the Cherokee NCDC team maintains an impressive 8–3–0–0 record through 11 games, totaling 16 points with a .727 points percentage. Toledo currently ranks 29th in the NCDC overall league standings, with fewer games played than many of the teams ahead of them.

NCDC Returns Home Tuesday, November 10. The Cherokee NCDC squad will have an immediate opportunity to respond to Saturday's loss when the Columbus Mavericks travel to Toledo for a Tuesday night rematch at Team Toledo Ice House — Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM. With Columbus currently holding a 10–3–1–0 record and 21 points, the matchup provides another important test for the Cherokee. Toledo will look to take advantage of home ice, generate more offensive opportunities, and even the score against a Columbus team that has established itself as one of the NCDC's early-season contenders.

Fans are encouraged to come out Tuesday evening and support the Cherokee as they continue their push through the 2026–27 campaign. The Premier team returns to the ice Friday, November 13, when the Metro Jets visit Team Toledo Ice House for a 5:00 PM puck drop. The NCDC team will also host the Metro Jets on Friday at 8:00 PM, before traveling to Columbus for another meeting with the Mavericks on Saturday, November 14, at 8:30 PM.

Stay connected with Toledo Cherokee Hockey for game updates, player highlights, team news, and schedules throughout the 2026–27 USPHL season. Two teams. One Cherokee family.