University Liggett making progress

The University Liggett School won two state championships (1980 and ’90) but have been stuck in second gear for the past few seasons.

The Knights are now turning the corner, thanks to the leadership of second-year head coach Terry Olson and a unique blend of players, including five sets of brothers.

Seniors Ryan Deane, Zach Keith, Mike Zukas, Charlie Litch and Kyle Lawrence are the veterans, while their younger brothers Rory Deane, Kyle Keith, Dan Zukas and Erik Litch are the newcomers.

The Lawrences’ older brother, Dave, is one of Olson’s assistant coaches. The other assistant coach credited for turning the program around is Rich Swartz.

“We’re a family,” Ryan Deane said. “It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in because we play as a team and I think that has helped us become a better team.

“Everyone has contributed this season, regardless of their experience,” said Olson, whose calm, but stern demeanor helped turn the program around.

“We have a good team chemistry this season,” Kyle Lawrence said. “We enjoy playing here and for coach Olson.”

The Knights’ rise from the abyss has developed since the opening of training camp.

“We knew the team would consist of several freshmen, and sometimes it can be tough for the older guys to accept younger players in the lockerroom,” Olson said. “From day one I think our veterans have stepped up and done a wonderful job of playing as a team.”

The “team” concept is also apparent off the ice.

“I have teachers who tell me how nice it is to see all of the hockey players eat together and form bonds away from the arena,” Olson said. “That unity makes me proud.”

Rory Deane and Mike Zukas played on state championship teams in youth hockey, and thirteen of the current players started their hockey careers in the Grosse Pointe Hockey Association.

“I would love to help us win a state championship here,” Mike Zukas said. “It was great winning the state championship when I was a kid and maybe I can help this team win a state title.”

The band of brothers all carry grade point averages ranging from 3.1 to 3.7.

“Education comes first and then there is sports,” Olson said. “I hope I can help the young men on my team get the most out of this experience.”

“We try to be the best role model we can for our younger brothers and younger

teammates,” Ryan Deane said. “Coach Olson has taught us that senior leadership

is key to winning teams.”

Most brothers have their disputes, and while they might have a disagreement or two, the players share the same view — better to attack life as a team instead of as individuals.

“My brother and I have had our share of wrestling matches, but nothing major,” Erik Litch said. “We respect each other and I know the same goes for my teammates.”

The Zukas brothers play on a line, as do the Deane boys.  And with both the veteran leadership and younger firepower the Knights are excited about the stretch run.

“Our program is definitely gaining respect around the area and I see a lot of upside,” said Olson.

Cranbrook splits at Showcase

The Cranes opened the MIHL Showcase in Trenton with a 6-0 win over Catholic Central on Feb. 9.  But if they were feeling good about themselves, Livonia Churchill put an end to that with a 2-1 win over Cranbrook the following day.

“It was a great weekend for high school hockey and a good experience for our team,” said Cranbrook head coach Andy Weidenbach. “Against Catholic Central every bounce went our way and our goalie (Zach Hansen) stood on his head.  Churchill played well defensively against us and got some timely goals.”

Against the Shamrocks, Cranbrook got two goals each from senior co-captain Brett Brazier and senior Dean Chelios and single markers from junior Jake Friedman and senior Andrew Miller.  Hanson stopped all 27 shots in the win.

“Our skilled players played well, our special teams performed well and our goalie more than did his job,” said Weidenbach.

Miller scored for the Cranes against Churchill, but the Chargers fought back with goal from Keith Yackley before senior defenseman Phil Wendecker scored the game winner on a deflection past senior goalie Ryan McClure with 49 seconds left in the game.  

“The puck didn’t quite bounce our way against Churchill, but they created the opportunities and took advantage of them,” said Weidenbach.

Dearborn Unified knows postseason is new season

With just five wins in their first 19 games this season, Dearborn Unified doesn’t exactly have a record to embrace.  But they also know anything can happen come playoff time.

Dearborn coach Gary Wojewuczki has only to look to last year to see how luck can change in the playoffs.

“Last year we were in the same predicament about the same time of the season and we ended up going to the final of the states in Division One,” Wojewuczki said.

Dearborn has relied heavily on their goaltender this season, as they aren’t strangers to letting opponents rack up 40 shots on goal.

“Our goalie, Ish Gregory, is just phenomenal,” Wojewuczki said. “When I talk about getting barraged with shots, this is the kid that’s stopping them all. He’s battling in the net constantly.”

Dearborn Unified’s captain senior defenseman Jeff Donaldson is nominated for the Van Patrick Award given to the top athlete in the city of Dearborn from the high schools.

“Jeff’s a great kid,” Wojewuczki said. “He carries a real high GPA, he’s involved in a lot of clubs, and he tutors some of our players who are struggling in school.”

Other notable contributors to the team are senior captain Austin Colson and junior assistant captain Wayne Earhart.

Sault Sainte Marie looking toward the playoffs

Despite getting 13 wins in their first 18 games, Sault Sainte Marie believes they haven’t peaked yet.

“We’re hoping the story of our year is still to come,” said Blue Devils’ coach Al Dunbar “We’ve had a good season. We’ve beaten some teams ranked in the top five in the state, but our whole season is about the State Tournament and hopefully we’re getting closer to being prepared to play in it.”

The Blue Devils play in a tough region that includes third ranked Gaylord and will most likely have to face them during the pre-regional.

”Gaylord is a good team and put us out of the playoffs last year,” Dunbar said. “We beat them 5-2 the first game of the year but a lot changes as the season goes on.”

The Blue Devils’ goal is to make the Final Four and they expect to do that with their balanced attack.

“We have some kids who can score up front, we’re solid on defense, and we’re solid with our goaltending,” Dunbar said.

Senior forward Aaron Celestino leads the team both on the ice and off.

“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” Dunbar said.

Contributors on offense for the Blue Devils are senior forward Ron Kaunisto, and juniors Marcus Andary, Jacob Johnston and Peter Formalo. Seniors Damian McLeod and Brandon Baril split the goaltending duties.

By Sarah Zientarski

Wyandotte Roosevelt ready for stretch run

The fruits of coach Mike Quint’s labor have begun to ripen for Wyandotte Roosevelt fans.

The Bears have vastly improved since Quint took over the program three years ago, and now have a serious chance to advance deeply into the state playoffs, which begin Feb. 26.

Wins over state-ranked rival schools are the cause for excitement. January 24’s 3-2 overtime win over Trenton is the highlight, but decisions over Riverview and Allen Park also stand out. The Bears – 15-6 overall and atop the Michigan Metro Hockey League Central at 9-2 – are led by junior forward Steve Brancheau, sixth among Metro scoring leaders with 15 points, and sophomore Eric Taurence, who has 11 goals in Metro play.

Senior forwards Taylor Ankiel, Drew Renaud and Chad Bonmon are key players, while senior blueliner Joe Zalewski logs a ton of minutes.  Senior goalie Brad Makowski is steady in goal, with a 1.82 goals-against average and a 92.39 save percentage.

How Wyandotte responds to recent losses to Grosse Ile and Farmington will be crucial heading into the pre-regional tournament. The Bears will need to be on their best game, as a potential re-match with host Trenton and a strong Woodhaven team lurk. By Chuck Nelson

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