The Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association regular season is entering that critical phase where points in the standings are of the essence.

In Class 1A, Columbia (11-5-3) sits in first place by just a single point following recent action. 

The Eagles picked up a physical 6-2 victory Monday night over Triad courtesy of two goals apiece from Jack Reuss and Anderson Judy. 

On Thursday, Columbia dropped a 3-2 contest against Collinsville. Kaden Ross netted both goals for the Eagles.

Last Tuesday, Columbia won 7-5 over Highland as Reuss netted four goals and assisted on another. 

The Eagles faced Bethalto on Tuesday night will take on Belleville this coming Tuesday night with first place likely on the line. 

Reuss leads Columbia in scoring with 35 goals and 10 assists. He’s tops in the MVCHA in goals and third overall in total points.

In Class 2A, Freeburg-Waterloo (8-10-3) is having a tough go of late against the likes of powerhouses such as Edwardsville and O’Fallon.

The Raging Bulldogs sit in third place in the standings, well behind those two talented squads. 

On Thursday, Freeburg-Waterloo dropped a 5-2 contest against Granite City. Scoring goals for the Raging Bulldogs were Layne Wilkens and Christopher Luncinski.

On Monday night, it was an 8-1 loss for the Raging Bulldogs against Edwardsville. Parker Stoll scored the lone goal for Freeburg-Waterloo.

Freeburg-Waterloo will face O’Fallon this coming Tuesday night at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex in O’Fallon. 

Wilkens is the leading scorer for Freeburg-Waterloo this season with 15 goals and 14 assists.