Clarkston’s JV Prep team claimed a first place finish in Little Ceasar’s Tier 1 Divisional playoff’s on Sunday, March 16 at Compuware defeating the Farmington Hills JV team 3-1.
After finishing 3rd in their Division during regular season play, the Clarkston Coyotes battled their way throughout the playoffs with wins over Birmingham, Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe South and 1st place Brighton to earn their right to play in the Championship game against Farmington Hills on Sunday. Clarkston’s only loss during the playoffs was against Milford.
It was a tough fought battle during the first two periods of play for both teams with the score 0-0 at the end of the second. All of Clarkston’s goals were scored in the third period with points from forwards Brendon Best (1 goal), Jim Fournier (1 goal), Chris Messing (1 goal), Eric Paddison (2 assists) and Mike Medonis (1 assist).
Head coach, Brian Plante stated that “both the offense and defense played an excellent game of disciplined positioning, determination and pursuit of the puck and our goal tending was focused. That is how a team wins those tough games.”
When asked about Clarkston’s first season in MAHA’s JV Prep league, Coach Plante offered, “this was a great group of young men who were willing to work hard and do what it took to earn the title of champion. They matured in every aspect of the game and played with discipline and focus. You have to expect only the best out of yourself to accomplish what this team did in their first year. I’m very proud of every one of them.”