Timely goaltending and a healthy dose of offense helped Clarkston’s hockey team triumph over Waterford Mott, 5-4, on Dec. 1.
‘It was very close. We let (Mott) get back in the game three times. It’s fortunate we got good goaltending from (senior) Adam Richards,? Clarkston Coach Bryan Krygier said, pointing to several saves by Richards in the closing minutes which preserved the Wolves tenuous one-goal lead.
Shane O’Toole scored the game winning goal, assisted by Maverick Erickson and Ricky Spano. Also scoring for Clarkston were Kyle Cummings (Mike Medonis, Brandon Gibson), Bobby Cadeau (Nick Posawatz), Medonis (Cummings, Scott Cooley) and Kyle Chartrand (Aaron Podbielski, Gibson).
Richards made 26 saves in net.
Clarkston has a tough week ahead as two league foes lay in wait. On Dec. 8, Stoney Creek, new to the OAA Division I this year, faces the Wolves at 6 p.m. at the Detroit Skate Center.
?(Stoney Creek) makes me a little nervous,? Krygier said, citing the Cougars recent wins over Mott, Birmingham and Kettering.
After dealing with a league upstart, some familiar faces lurk on the schedule. The Wolves face Troy United on Dec. 10 at the Troy Ice Arena at 8:30 p.m. Clarkston and the Colts split the OAA I title last year.
?(Troy versus Clarkston) is always a good game. I know they have a pretty fast team; and they are well coached,? Krygier said.
The league action continues on Dec. 13 as Clarkston takes on Birmingham United at the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s arena at 7 p.m.
After the win against Mott, Clarkston’s record stands at 3-1 (2-0).
Looking farther into the future, Clarkston hosts their annual holiday tournament at the Detroit Skate Center, Dec. 16 and 17.