By Jack Leech
Special to The Clarkston News
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The Clarkston Varsity Hockey team are skating into a new season and looking for more success for the 2024-2025 year.
The Wolves kicked off the season with a scrimmage against a ranked opponent, Lakeland on Nov. 7. Clarkston prevailed by a score of 4-2.
“Lakeland is a really well coached team,” said Nathan Bryer, head coach. “We schedule them every year, and there are a lot of benefit for both teams.”
Coming off of a very successful season has left last year’s returning players wanting more. Eliminated last season by Brighton in overtime of the quarterfinals has left a bad taste in the mouths of this season’s returning seniors, which includes Frank Stanek, George Walker, Eric Wade, Vinny Giannini, Kyle Lynch, Johnny Walker, Trey Damian and Calum Hartner.
The Wolves wrapped the 2023-2024 season with an overall record of 19-5-1 and undefeated in the OAA Red with a 10-0 record.
The winter season’s schedule features contests against rivals Detroit Catholic Central, Brighton, Hartland and Flint Powers, while adding Marquette and Forest Hills Central to the docket for the first time. The league will continue to be tough as OAA opponents promise to stand strong.
The Wolves plan to go on the to Traverse City this season in January to face the northern Michigan powerhouses.
This season’s tryout had a significant turnout of over 40 skaters, who played with local AA and AAA programs. New players to the roster include Cooper Aller, Drew Swanson, Finn Mooney, Luke Walker, Drew Seiling, Tanner Gray and Mike Truby.
“Our staff has done a fine job of reaching out to the younger players in our school district and have identified and contacted new talent,” Bryer shared.
One position that remains rock solid is goalie as Calum Hartner returns after cutting last season short with and injury, while Brady Damian, who stood tall during the playoffs, will also man the net. The blue line crew remains strong with one new addition sophomore Cal Kennedy.
Bryer has trimmed his roster to 22 players and shared, “We expect to get everyone on our bench on the ice, I feel being able to play four lines keeps us strong and fresh throughout the game.”
Clarkston opened the season with a 3-2 loss to Marquette on Saturday.
The Sentinels scored first with a goal from Nick Kucharek with six minutes remaining in the first period.
Less than four minutes later, the Wolves tied the game with a goal from senior George Walker off an assist from senior Eric Wade.

Marquette grabbed the lead at the top of the second period.
Senior Trey Damian took a shot a few feet in front of the goal with 6:30 remaining in the period to tie the score. Wade assisted on the goal.
The Sentinels scored the last goal of the night from Seth Sandstrom with 12 minutes remaining in the game.
The Wolves host Stoney Creek this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Detroit Skating Club, 888 Denison Court in Bloomfield Hills.
They head to the SERVPRO Sports Complex to play Flint Powers on Saturday, 3 p.m. They play Forest Hill Central on Friday, Nov. 29 at Biggby Coffee Ice Cube in Brighton at 4:30 p.m.

  Clarkston Athletics, Hockey