The Brandon hockey team received a lift from forward Mike Ross against host Lake Orion Dec. 13.
Ross, a junior, scored two goals and assisted on another as the Blackhawks defeated the Dragons 5-2, improving their season record to 5-0.
Anthony Bartalone put the Dragons on the board first, scoring an unassisted goal at 12:10 of the first period. However, senior Joel Pappas answered on an assist from Ross at 9:40 of the first, tying the contest at one.
From there, Ross scored two goals in the second period as the Blackhawks took command of the game. His first goal came at 9:19 of the period on assists from Pappas and freshman Brandon Newman, while the second came at 4:59 on assists from Newman and junior defenseman Chris Nuccio. The two goals lifted Brandon to a 3-1 lead at the end of the second period.
In the third, the Blackhawks added to their lead with a goal from junior Kyle Jackson at 14:03 of the period, assisted by junior Mike Cybulski. The Dragons cut their deficit to two at 11:58 of the third, as Dave Mahern scored on an assist from Ken Klooster. However, Brandon wrapped up the game 46 seconds later, as Cybulski lit the lamp on an assist from Jackson.
After the holiday break, the Blackhawks return to the ice Friday, Jan. 9 when they host Lapeer West at 8 p.m.