The long-awaited opening night of the high school hockey season saw the Lake Orion Dragons in a rivalry game right out of the gate as they played the Clarkston Wolves at the Detroit Skate Club.

The Dragons started fast with a first period goal by senior forward Brendan Finn.

As the period ended, the Wolves were able to get on the board tying the game at one apiece with a late goal.

The second period started rough for the Dragons as the Wolves scored to take a 2-1 lead. The period featured the Dragon’s penalty killing units, with multiple Dragons in the penalty box as the team battled to fight through several Clarkston power plays, aided by the outstanding play of Dragon goaltenders Dylan Parker and Lucas Haddad.

The Dragons evened the game late in the second period with Brendan Finn adding a short-handed goal, his second goal of the game.

The third period was all Lake Orion. Brendan Finn continued his big night scoring twice more in the period to give the Dragons a big 4-2 win on opening night.

Both teams played hard and showed that they will both be factors in the OAA League race this season.

The Dragons, 1-0, will face a busy weekend with a Saturday game vs Byron Center and a Sunday game vs Royal Oak/Berkley United. – C.B.