Clarkston High School hockey player Adam Peters has one last chance to win a state championship and he fully intends to capture the title.
The Wolves advanced to the state finals last year before falling short against Detroit Catholic Central.
‘I really want to win the ring,? Peters said. ‘It was such an amazing feeling last year to look up and see the stands full and people cheering wildly as we played for the state title.?
The Wolves are building for the playoffs by playing great hockey and are being led by captain Peters.
Clarkston is 17-3-3 and tied for first place in the league with three games remaining before the playoffs. The Wolves still have to play Farmington, West Bloomfield and Brother Rice in the regular season.
‘This year is going really well. This year feels a little better than last year. We are feeling pretty good going into the playoffs and are playing like a team,? Peters said.
While the first game this season was on Nov. 20, the season really began when the final buzzer sounded during last year’s championship game loss. It was then that the Wolves committed themselves to getting back to the state finals, but this time winning it.
The off-season consisted of endurance training with team members getting together two or three times a week to run.
‘We did it as a team so that we would be in great shape going into the season. We were a lot stronger going into the year and a lot more prepared,? Peters said.
While the goals of the season were large, Coach Bryan Krieger preached patience with his team.
‘We take it one game at a time and one period at a time. We set high standards with the program but if we win each period we play then we will win the game,? Peters said.
After a slow start, Peters has hit his stride and produced for the Wolves. The forward is enjoying his final season with Clarkston.
‘I started the season a little slow especially since I ended last year playing real good hockey. But I have picked up my game as the season has gone along and am getting ready for the playoffs,? Peters said.
The senior has been playing hockey since he was four-years-old. He progressed through the A, AA and AAA system during his younger years before playing on the CHS varsity as a freshman. He was one of only two freshmen on the team.
‘I have always loved this game. For as long as I can remember I have been watching the game and showing interest,? Peters said. ‘It was a real fun experience to be on the team when I was so young.?
Peters has picked up a lot of experience during his four years on varsity and feels an obligation to teach the younger players on the team.
The captain takes his position on the team seriously.
‘As a senior and as a captain I try to help out the younger players. When I was a freshman I was making the same type of rookie mistakes. I just tell them to not get down on themselves and make sure they learn from their mistakes,? Peters said.
One of the mistakes Peters learned from was conditioning. After his freshman year, Peters realized he was not in top physical condition so he dedicated himself to becoming physically fit.
Peters says the conditioning has made him a much better player. The proof of that was last season when Peters earned all-county, all-league and all-state honors.
‘It really helped me out. I just give all I have and hope for the best,? Peters said. ‘I have really been helped by Coach Krieger too. He is a great guy who knows his stuff. He is always there for you.?
Peters is planning on going to Oakland University next year and plans to try out for the club team.
However before he does that, Peters and his teammates have some unfinished business to take care of. The Wolves are aiming to win the first hockey state title in school history.