BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Icers opened their first week of games with a 1-1 split.
Clarkston Varsity Hockey shut out Stoney Creek last Friday, 8-0, putting five goals in the net in the first period and following it up with three goals in the next period.
“It was a big win for us,” Nathan Bryer, head coach. “The puck was bouncing our way. We had a really good start and never looked back. It was a good win for us. We regained our confidence and got us back in the win column.”
Freshman Ron Wade led with two goals and three assists. Junior Devon Collis had one goal and three assists, senior Gino Gianni had two goals, and junior Blake Botterill had one goal and one assist.
Freshman Eric Wade and senior Cristian Walk each had one goal. Freshman Brendan Rhodes, freshman Trey Damian, sophomore Brady Earing, sophomore Quinn Farrell, junior Dutch Snyder, senior Tyler Pauly and senior Drew Stewart each had one assist.
“We definitely scored by committee,” Bryer said. “There were a lot of guys on the score sheet. There were a few who scored a lot, but had some from the whole line up which is good to see.”
Sophomore goalie Parker Pace had ten saves in his shutout. The team made 41 shots on the Cougars’ net.
The Wolves opened the season with a 3-2 loss to Birmingham United last Thursday.
“There was a lot of good,” said Bryer. “Obviously for a young team to play against a team with 19 seniors I guess the favor was on their side. I thought we did well. I think we showed our potential. I thought we were close to being right in the wheel house with them. If we were a little bit hungrier around the net and finished more opportunities we would have come out the other side of it.”
Sophmore Evan Adams scored the first goal of the night with 9:37 left in the first period off and assist from Wade and Collis.
Birmingham Unified tied the score with 34 seconds left in the first period.
“We had a really good first period,” Bryer said, “We outshot them (17 to 4). Then, we kind of took a nap in the second period. In the third period it was a little too late. We played well, but we waited until the last ten minutes to really turn it on where if we would have done it for the full 52 minutes I think we would have been on the other side of it.”
Wade scored during the third period. Collis had two assists for the night.
Bryer added goalies Pace and sophomore Hunter Smith played well last week.
The Wolves play Flint Powers on Wednesday at Flint Iceland Arenas, 6 p.m.
“They have a really good program,” said Bryer.
Clarkston plays in the Cranbrook Showcase on Friday against Detroit Country Day at 2:45 p.m. The Wolves then play Saturday against a team and time to be determined.
“We are going to play three really good teams. This week will be a really good test for us,” Bryer said.