Though Clarkston hockey faced tough competition while hosting the annual holiday tournament at the Detroit Skate Center, Dec. 16-17, Coach Bryan Krygier still finds the results hard to swallow.
‘No matter what team we play we should play the right way. We fell short this weekend. We did not play very well,? Krygier said.
Clarkston lost 7-2 to Cranbrook, which is currently ranked No. 1 in Division III. Juniors Eric Salo and Ryan Kenerson scored for the Wolves in the loss.
The Wolves were shutout, 2-0 in their consolation game matchup on Dec. 17 with Davison, which is currently ranked No. 6 in Division II.
Livonia Stevenson, currently ranked No. 6 in Division I, beat Cranbrook to win the holiday tournament.
Krygier feels the mystique surrounding programs like Cranbrook and Davison may have crept into the minds of the Wolves, who this year have 14 new players on the roster.
‘I think we were a little tentative coming up against talented teams like Davison and Cranbrook,? Krygier said. ‘We got beat to the puck. It doesn’t matter whether you have a young team or an old team, you have to get to the puck.?
The sun shined earlier in the week for Clarkston though, as the Wolves triumphed over Birmingham United 5-2 on Dec. 13. Salo and senior Shane O’Toole each had a goal and an assist in the victory. Also tallying goals were Seniors Kyle Cummings, Maverick Erickson and Mike Medonis. Senior Ricky Spano recorded two assists and Kenerson, senior Scott Cooley and sophomore Aaron Podbielski each had one helper.
Before the holiday break, Clarkston has one more contest, Dec. 22 on their home ice of the DSC against Royal Oak United.
‘Losing three in a row might be a first. We definitely have to rebound (against Royal Oak). We need to make sure we get a win,? Krygier said. ‘Our schedule only gets tougher and each game we play becomes more important.?
When the Wolves return to action, a run of six straight OAA Division I games should for the most part determine this year’s league champion.
After away games at West Bloomfield on Jan. 6 and Stoney Creek on Jan. 7, Clarkston hosts Birmingham on Jan. 12 and Farmington on Jan. 14. An away date with Royal Oak Kimball on Jan. 26 sets the table for Clarkston’s rematch with Troy at home on Jan. 28.
The Wolves 5-4 (4-1) lost 3-1 at Troy 7-3 (5-0) on Dec. 10. Last year Troy and Clarkston shared the OAA I league title.