If a team on a losing streak is in a rut, and a team on a winning streak is flying high, then wolves hockey has been flying in a rut recently.
Five ties in their last six games is no cause for celebration, but Clarkston, currently ranked second in the state in division I, has been cutting their teeth on some hearty competition and game situations.
?(The games) have been very tough, just like the playoffs. It has been more intense, more emotional. The type of hockey you’ll see in a week,? said Clarkston Coach Bryan Krygier.
Clarkston lost 5-1 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Feb. 16, then headed to the west side of the state where they battled into overtime stalemate’s with East Kentwood and Mona Shores. Scoring Clarkston’s lone goal against St. Mary’s was senior Bryan Morin assisted by juniors Kyle Chartrand and Matt Prasil.
The Wolves were up 2-1 on Feb. 18, going into the third period against East Kentwood, currently ranked sixth in division I. The one-goal lead did not hold as East Kentwood scored to tie the game.
The next night in Muskegon, Clarkston had Mona Shores on the ropes only to watch a 4-2 lead disappear with two minutes left in the third. Mona Shores is ranked third in division II.
Registering points for the Wolves against Mona Shores was junior Kyle Cummings and senior Chris Degen with a goal and an assist apiece; senior Mike Fogg and Chartrand also each added a goal.
‘We’re just giving up the puck too much in our own zone. We’re losing games and we’re still out shooting the other team,? said Krygier
Krygier, however, was heartened by his power play units showing life over the last week.
The Wolves have some unfinished business in terms of the OAA league title to complete before playoffs begin. Clarkston’s pivotal matchup with Farmington on Feb. 22 finished too late for this edition of The Clarkston News. Should Clarkston prevail, they would assure themselves at least a share of the league title with Troy.
The regular season will conclude with senior night against Brother Rice on the Wolves? home ice of the Detroit Skate Center on Feb. 24.
Districts are set to start on March 1 at Bay City Central. Clarkston has drawn Grand Blanc in the opening round.