By Jack Leech
Contributing Writer
PLYMOUTH — Clarkston Varsity Hockey ended their season run in the Final Four in the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship, March 8.
They finished with a 4-3 loss in overtime Brighton in the semifinal game at USA Hockey Arena.
Clarkston Varsity Hockey head coach, Nathan Bryer shared he was very pleased and humbled by the effort and dedication is players have shown this season.
“It was a real pleasure, working with this group of great guys,” he said.
Brighton opened the scoring with a powerplay goal from Cameron Duffany in the first period.
Bulldog Lane Petit scored with 13:43 remaining in the second period off Brighton’s first shot on the goal, putting them up 2-0.
Clarkston senior Ron Wade drove home a perfect pass from Gavin Anderson, to get Clarkston on the board on a power playwith less than seven minutes left in the period.
Brighton added another score from Duffany to end the second period, 3-1.
The Wolves came out on fire in the last period starting with with a shot from Wade just 49 seconds in with an assist from junior Kyle Lynch.
Less than a minute later, senior Evan Adams, assisted by junior Frank Stanek, tied the score at 3 -3.
The remainder of the period was a very tight checking battle between two very evenly matched contenders, forcing the game into a sudden death overtime. It was Brighton senior Zack Helminen, who fired in the final goal to end the game 4-3, sending the Bulldogs to the state championship.
The Wolves made 26 shots on the net and sophomore goaltender Brady Damian had 22 saves for the night.
The Wolves had five players who received All-State honors. Wade, Adams, Damian and Owen Croston were named to the 2023-2024 Division 1 All-State First Team. Lynch was named to the Division 1 All-State Second Team. Adams was named to the Division 1 All-Tournament team.
Clarkston, who wrapped the season 22-6-1 and 10-0 in the OAA Red, is already gearing up for next season with Bryer adding he continues to hope the Wolves will be in the conversation when it comes to state championships.

  Clarkston Athletics, ice hockey