Since last year’s State quarterfinals, Clarkston’s hockey team has been thinking about their 2-1 overtime loss to Marquette.
This time around, the Wolves would not mind sending Marquette home wondering what could have been. The grudge match will commence on March 9 at 8 p.m. at the Bay County Civic Arena.
The Wolves have had some time to get used to the ice in Bay County, having won the regional title there this past week.
In the opening round of play, on March 1, Clarkston mercied the Mid-Michigan Storm, 11-1, in two periods. Next, the Wolves waxed the Bay Area Reps, 5-1, on March 3. In the regional finals, on March 5, Clarkston overcame a 2-1 deficit after the first period to triumph over Traverse City West, 4-2.
The goal scorers against Traverse City West for the Wolves were seniors Mike Fogg, Bryan Morin, Chris Degen and junior Kyle Chartrand. Senior Trevor Johns had a hand in three of Clarkston’s goals; Fogg and Morin each had an assist as well. Michael Brach was relatively unfettered in net during the regional final, stopping 13 shots for the win.
By winning the MHSAA Region 7, Clarkston is one of the last eight teams in Division I, and the only team from the OAA Division I, still playing.
Clarkston and Marquette come into the state quarterfinals ranked two and three respectively.
The team which advances will face the winner of the contest between number one Detroit Catholic Central and number seven Brighton on March 11 at the Compuware Arena in Plymouth.