The M1 Griffins Unified Hockey Team took home another league victory on home ice at John Lindell Ice Arena, defeating Stoney Creek 3-1 on Friday. The leaders of the OAA Red Division — a mix of players from Royal Oak, Berkley, and Ferndale high schools — increased the team’s record to 5-0-0.
Junior captain Kyle Paswater is happy with the team’s performance in league competition.
“That’s the goal this season, to win the OAA, and we just want to keep this winning streak going, and having all this momentum is huge for us,” he said.
The starting lineup for the Griffins included forwards Nolan Emmons, Justin Stewart, and Jacob Carter, defenders Logan Eland, Griffin Przybylo, and goalie Todd Butler. The Griffins opened up the scoring 9:01 into the first period, with a goal scored by junior Zach Steiner, assisted by juniors Cash Stillwell and Paswater. The Griffins maintained the lead for the remainder of the period, holding off any presses by Stoney Creek.
Despite their efforts, the Griffins allowed a tough goal 2:24 into the second period. However, this didn’t deter them, as the team scored a goal late in the second by junior Charlie Price, who was assisted by Steiner and Eland. This closed out the period, with the Griffins again leading 2-1 heading into the third.
To keep momentum, the Griffins came out quickly to extend their lead 3-1, with a power play goal scored by Emmons, assisted by Paswater and Price. The team fought hard, maintaining good defense to shut down any scoring opportunities for Stoney Creek.
Sophomore goalie, Butler earned player of the game stopping 18 shots on 19 attempts and a SV% of .947, with Steiner, Price, and Paswater each adding multiple points to the board—Steiner (1G 1A), Price (1G 1A), and Paswater (2A).
“Being a captain, I try to do whatever I can…to get the win for my team,” Paswater said when noting his contributions to the game.
After the win against Stoney Creek, the team has 10 points in 5 games and a record of 2-0-0 in league competition.
Since writing this article, the M1 Griffins defeated Rochester United 4-2 on Saturday, increasing the team’s record to 6-0-0 and 3-0-0 in the OAA Red Division, totaling twelve points in six games.
