Rochester Unified and Grand Blanc learned a valuable lesson last week: do not underestimate the underdog.
Despite a season record of 7-15-2, Clarkston Varsity hockey beat both, coming out with the regional title.
‘I knew they had potential,? said Wolves? coach Bryan Krygier.
‘Once they realized it, they played like they should be. I think they realized they need to work or their season was going to be cut short. They were responsible and disciplined. Defensively they only allowed a few goals in ? they took care of the offensive zone to get our goals.?
The Wolves beat Rochester Unified (17-4-4) last Wednesday, 4-1.
Garrett Knappe made 37 saves. During the second period, Rochester made 19 shots on goal, and Knappe stopped all of them.
Rochester Unified goalie Ian Mercer made 13 saves.
In the first period, Rochester’s John Pincura struck first.
But Clarkston responded with two powerplay goals, the first by Michael Fiteny, with assistance from Tyler Frakes and Adam Frank, and second by Frank with an assist from Frakes.
Aaron Podbielski made two goals for the team. His first goal was in the second period. Fiteny and David Cannons assisted.
Chris Salo assisted Podbielski in the third period with the last goal of the game.
The win brought them to the regional finals against Grand Blanc (15-10-1).
Clarkston made the first three goals in the first period in their 6-2 victory, by Fiteny (David Morin, Jon Graham), Podbielski (Fiteny, Frank), and Jack Schlau (Frakes, Frank).
Grand Blanc added one in the period, by Dan Cowan (Zach Eckblad).
Clarkston continued with two more goals in the second period, made by Podbielski (Salo, Schlau) and Jon Graham (Fiteny).
Nick Posawatz brought them up to six points in the third period, assisted by Cole Schaffer and Morin.
Mike Tenezelli’s second goal for Grand Blanc came too late. During the game, Garrett Knappe made 20 saves. Grand Blanc’s Jordan Ballance made 25 saves.
With the post-season wins, the Wolves? record is 10-15-2.
Clarkston will go on to quarterfinals Wednesday, playing East Kentwood.
‘We have seen them before in 2003,? said Krygier. ‘We beat them in the semifinals, 3-2. They play hard. The guys will have to work hard and be prepared.?
The game will be at Suburban Ice – East Lansing, 2810 Hannah Blvd., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
If they win, they go on to semifinals and finals later in the week. Visit www.ClarkstonNews.com to see where the Wolves play next.