The Brandon hockey team is at the halfway point of the season, and the team is gearing up for a strong second half and playoff run.
After the team’s 4-1 win against Fenton Jan. 17, the Blackhawks are currently 8-2-1 overall and 5-1 in the Flint Metro League, good for second place in the league behind Lapeer West. The Blackhawks suffered a 6-1 loss at the hands of the Panthers.
Nonetheless, the Blackhawks control their own destiny in league competition ? if they win the rest of their Flint Metro games, including Jan. 30 at Lapeer West, they will win the league outright.
Brandon started the 2003-04 season on a torrid pace, winning their first eight games of the year before running into two quality opponents in Lapeer West and Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central, with both teams handing losses to the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks rebounded Friday, Jan. 16 with a 5-5 tie against Nouvel at the Polar Palace in Lapeer. It was a physical contest, with plenty of hitting on both sides. Yet, it was also an opportunity for two skilled teams to show their stuff, and the result was an entertaining hockey game.
Coach Brian Moore and his team are no doubt looking to improve on last season’s playoff performance, when the Blackhawks won the Division 3 regional championship.
‘They know what’s at stake,? Moore said of the Blackhawks. ‘We need to get stronger. It’s something we can’t do instantly. We have some kids that are starting to do their lifting.?
Brandon fans can look forward to the second half of the year with optimism. The Blackhawks feature several key performers from last year’s regional champions ? forwards Mike Ross, Joel Pappas, Mike Cybulski and Kyle Jackson, defensemen Chris Nuccio and Scotty Steudle, and goalie David Hughes.
Blending in with the above players are several newcomers and other veterans, all of whom have contributed to the Blackhawks this year. Add them together, and you have a recipe for what looks to be an exciting second half of the Brandon hockey season.