BY JEFF TURNER
Special to The Clarkston News
After falling to Lake Orion earlier in the season, the Clarkston Wolves hockey team knew they would need a better performance Saturday night to come away with a win over their arch rival.
The Wolves delivered, riding a four goal streak in the first period to a 5-3 win.
‘We won the game in the first period,? Wolves coach Bryan Krygier said. ?(Lake Orion) beat us in the second period, and we just had to hold on in the third. We played really well in the first period. That was the difference.?
Saturday’s win was extra special for the Wolves, as it came on Senior Night. The Wolves honored their six seniors between the first and second periods.
‘It’s always nice to have our (traditional Senior Night) meal after a win,? said Krygier. ‘It’s better for the players and families that way.?
The Wolves started strong as seniors provided three of their four first period goals.
Senior Jon Graham got on the board first, deflecting a shot by Chad Wotton past Lake Orion goalie Dominic Juncuj to give Clarkston a 1-0 lead.
The Wolves continued to put pressure on as senior Adam Frank extended the lead to 2-0 a minute later. Frank took the puck at center ice, deked an Orion defender, and backhanded a shot past Juncuj.
Lake Orion quickly countered, scoring a power play goal to cut the Clarkston lead to 2-1.
The Wolves took the lead back with 2:48 remaining in the first period as Brad Pizzey scored off a centering pass from senior Sean Hancook.
Playing shorthanded, Clarkston senior Jack Schlau delivered one of his three assists on a centering pass to Frank, who tapped it in to give the Wolves a three goal cushion, 4-1, after one period.
The Wolves offensive assault continued in the second period. A power play shot from the blue line led to a scrum in front of the net. Eventually Dillon Drayer slapped the puck in the net to give Clarkston the 5-1 lead.
Lake Orion goals by Dan Blascak and Nick Balavich, 81 seconds apart, to cut the lead to 5-3 going into the third period.
The Dragons had early opportunities in the third. A Clarkston penalty less than three minutes into the period gave Lake Orion an opportunity to cut the lead when Clarkston goalie Alec Gildner made a strong save to maintain the two goal cushion.
For the rest of the game, Lake Orion controlled the play, but couldn’t manage any serious opportunities.
‘Our first line played well tonight, they moved the puck and did lots of good things,? said Krygier. ‘Our second line came alive as well tonight, and we got two good goals out of them.?
‘All in all, this win gives us confidence, which is important going into the playoffs,? he said.
The Wolves insured themselves a fourth place finish in the Oakland Activities Association with the win.
Clarkston opens the playoffs with a pre-regional game against Grand Blanc on March 2. The game is at the Detroit Skate Club and starts at 5 p.m.