BY JACK MUELLER
Clarkston News Intern
After an icy 0-4 start to the season, the Clarkston Varsity Hockey gathered momentum with a 4-1 statement victory against undefeated Bloomfield Hills at Detroit Skating Club last Thursday.
First year head coach Nathan Bryer’s squad began to buzz early in the first with sophomore Blake Bottril knocking home a rebound while a man up.
They continued to roll in the first as Bottril stayed hot picking up his second tally of the night as he caused havoc around the net sliding a wrap around attempt past the kicking leg of Bloomfield’s netminder. Tate Phares was involved with two assists on Bottril’s goals.
Success continued as junior forward Christian Walk stuffed home another netfront loose puck as Gino Giannini tacked on a helper. The first period ended 3-0 as the Wolves attacked the net relentlessly.
Period two came and went, neither team finding twine in the uneventful middle frame.
The third brought the entertainment back as Devon Collis was gifted a back door tap in by teammate Mathew Phaneuf with 15:21 left as Clarkston’s lead increased to a commanding 4-0.
They strutted high into victory, only slipping once in the third when a late attempt to climb back brought Bloomfield Hills within three minutes.
After the victory, rookie assistant coach Ryan Larkin shared the message going into this match up was to “Keep it more simple.”
“The boys played well,” Larkin added. “They played simple and that’s the best way we can win hockey games”
Freshman goaltender Hunter Smith snatched his first career varsity win.
“It felt good,” he said, also crediting his teammates with their defense in front of him for the victory.
Moving forward Larkin emphasized simplicity in play and said next week calls for the same game plan.
The Wolves lost the night before in overtime to Birmingham Unified, 3-2. Bottril and Drew Stewart scored one goal each. Stewart, Giannini and Collis had one assist each.
Clarkston hosts Bloomfield Hills on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7:15 p.m.. and Stoney Creek on Satuday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Both games are at Detroit Skating Club.
They head to the Birmingham Ice Arena to play Birmingham United on Sunday, 6:30 p.m.

  Clarkston Varsity Hockey, Hockey