By Christopher Ehrmann
Review Intern
The Lake Orion Varsity Ice Hockey team defeated their classic rivals to the west, the Clarkston Wolves, last Saturday at the Birmingham Hockey Arena to take the OAA Red League championship.
The Dragons pulled out a close 3-2 game and according to team member Nick Balavich, the hype of the game and the fans in the bleachers were what was hardest to deal with. Still he maintained the experience was still fun. Meanwhile, senior Brad Bogus explained the hardest aspects of facing the Wolves in their second rivalry game of the season.
‘In a Lake Orion rivalry game anything can happen and anything can go either way; it’s a big game for us,? Bogus said.
Despite Lake Orion winning, the stands of the arena were filled from front to back with kids from both schools cheering on their friends on the ice. The fans were very excited to be at the game encouraging their team.
‘I really like coming to the games, because of how pumped up the student section gets,? said LOHS senior Haley Barnes. ‘They get really energetic and have so much pride in their team. I just love the atmosphere.?
While the win certainly raised Orion’s spirits, senior Kurt Latshaw suffered a serious injury when he was hit from behind while his head was down.
Striking his head against the glass, he was quickly rushed to the hospital, although reports say he will fully recover. But even with the loss of a man, spirits did not dampen and the team pushed on to victory.
The Lake Orion fan section went crazy when their team scored the last goal of the game. The Dragons managed to hold off Clarkston from scoring for the remaining 4.52 seconds.
The win was a boost for the community, because according to Head Coach Nick Field, anytime you beat Clarkston, it feels good.
‘We take everything game by game, but we are happy to get the win,? Field said. ‘It is a game by game win basis.?
Uncharacteristic for Lake Orion, shots on goal were lead by Clarkston who had 25 to Orion’s 16. Orion and Clarkston tied overall in the OAA Red Division.
The Dragon’s next scheduled game was yesterday (Tuesday) at the Detroit Skating Club at 7:30 p.m. for MHSAA Finals against Lapeer. Look for results in next week’s Lake Orion Review.