The Lake Orion hockey squad joined 35 other elite teams from across the state at the Weekend Showcase at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Trenton last week.
The Dragons topped Novi 4-1 on Thursday and fell 2-1 to St. Clair in overtime on Friday.
‘Our goal this year was to go there and represent ourselves well and get invited back, and I think we did that,? said Coach Pat Cherry.
He noted that the showcase offered a playoff-like atmosphere, and it was the first time the team played an overtime game under Cherry’s watch. St. Clair scored the game-winner with just over a minute left in the extra session.
Cherry said he was told that eight NHL team scouts were on hand, as well as scouts from about every USHL team and the OHL.
The coach said many of the scouts knew of the older players on his team, like Dave Johnson and Jason Stross, but freshman Corbin Rainey likely turned a few heads.
The Dragons return home for a big week that includes a rematch with Clarkston on Thursday.
The game, which starts at 6 p.m. will include special guest Karen Newman (of the Detroit Red Wings) singing the National Anthem.
It will also be Local Youth Hockey Night, for both Lake Orion and Clarkston players. Interested grade school hockey players can get free admission by wearing their local team’s jersey. Youth players will have a chance to tour the team’s locker room and meet players and coaches after the game.
Plus, six contestants will be chosen to participate in ‘Score O? between the second and third periods.
The first 40 high school students will receive free LO hockey shirts.