Clarkston Wolves hockey fans got their money’s worth Friday, Nov. 28 in the opening game of the Thanksgiving tournament at Cranbrook. The team did everything coach Bryan Krygier could ask of them, except win the game, as the Wolves lost in the fifth overtime period, 2-1, to the Brighton Bulldogs.
With 12 seconds left on a Brighton power play, senior forward Dave Mika scored the winning goal on a redirection in front of the net.
The game was evenly matched and turned into a goaltenders battle. Both teams had plenty of good scoring chances in the first two periods, but Brighton goalie Aaron Gidcomb and Clarkston newcomer goalie Mike Brach were effective.
Entering the third period in a scoreless tie, Brighton (also a top-10 ranked Division I hockey team last season) came out of the locker room with more jump than the Wolves. After a blocked shot in the defensive zone, Bulldog forward Matt Ryzak carried the puck to the Wolves blue line and sent a slapshot just inside the left post for the first goal of the game.
It looked like that would be all the Bulldogs needed to win, until Clarkston captain Kyle Buzzo skated into the right face-off circle and sent a wrist shot top shelf with 1:50 left in the game. Trevor Johns and Adam Peters assisted on the goal.
Then the fun started. Playing eight-minute overtime periods, both teams had several good scoring chances and both goalies stood on their heads. Clarkston’s best chances came in the third OT as they outshot their opponents 8-1, had two breakaways and dominated the play.
“We had our opportunities, but didn’t capitalize on them,” Krygier said, “but they were a good team.”
The referees called six penalties in OT, the sixth proving fatal to the Wolves. After making a good defensive play, Clarkston’s Alex Handley was called for a trip. Clarkston’s penalty kill allowed only two shots, and they were 12 seconds from returning to full strength when Mika scored the winning goal for Brighton.
“It was unfortunate that the game ended in the fifth OT while we were shorthanded,” Krygier said. “It could have gone either way. They got the break and it happened to go in. Overall, we played well and Michael Brach kept us in the game. He did very well.”
Clarkston moved on to the consolation game Saturday, Nov. 29 against tournament host Cranbrook, who lost to the University of Detroit, 2-0, the previous day. Cranbrook defeated Clarkston last year to win this event, but this time the Wolves finished on top with a 3-2 victory.
The Wolves came out sluggish in the first period as Cranbrook had the fresher legs. Some good defensive plays and timely saves by Brach kept Clarkston in the game, however.
“They had pressure on us for the first period and a half,” Krygier said.
But the Wolves took advantage of Cranbrook penalties midway through the second. With Clarkston on the power play, Cranbrook’s all-state defenseman, Chad Langlais, got called for a slash, giving the Wolves a five-on-three for 1:24. The Wolves didn’t let this opportunity slip away, as Peters tipped in a Handley shot from the point. Steve Morin also assisted.
Clinging to a 1-0 lead to begin the third period, Clarkston looked strong even though they were outshot. At the 9:24 mark, while in the middle of a line change, Morin jumped on the ice and buried a centering pass from Peters to give the Wolves a much needed insurance goal.
The Wolves held on to the 2-0 lead until 1:09 left in the third, when things got interesting. With Peters in the box for interference and Cranbrook’s net empty, Chase Langlais placed a perfect shot just inside the left post to make it 2-1. After a center face off, Cranbrook again pulled their goalie but weren’t as lucky this time. Buzzo scored an empty-netter with 43 seconds left in the game for a 3-1 score. Handley and Morin assisted.
Cranbrook didn’t give up and, with their goalie on the bench, Langlais once again found the top shelf with three seconds in regulation to narrow the gap to 3-2. Clarkston was outshot 28-15, but held on for the victory.
Krygier said, “It was an evenly matched game and could have gone either way. The difference was goaltending. Michael Brach turned away 26 shots to get his first win. We gave up some late goals that shouldn’t have happened. However, it was a good way to end the tourney and it improved our record to 2-1.”
In the championship game, Brighton went on to defeat U of D 3-2.
Next up, Clarkston is scheduled to host Waterford Mott at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Detroit Skate Club, with another home contest against Royal Oak at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.