Southeastern Michigan won all three hockey titles in Michigan this season. Detroit Catholic Central, Trenton, and Farmington got the job done March 8 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth.
DIVISION 1
Catholic Central regained its hold on Division 1 state titles with a 5-1 win over Brighton. Carter Cerretani and Ryan Burnett each scored two goals for Catholic Central, while Domenic Mancinelli had one goal.
“Our team unity was the key. Our motto all year was E.L.E. (Everyone Loves Everyone), and we wrap our arms around it, embrace it, and feed off it,” said coach Doug Itami. “The loyalty and compassion in the room is evident, as every player plays for the guy sitting next to him.”
Catholic Central ended the season at 23-7. Brighton ended at 23-6-1.
“We played fast, as our attack mode and quick start the first 10 minutes was the key factor in setting the tone for us,” Itami said. “Our poise and focus in front of the 4,300-plus crowd was surprisingly good. Our goal-tending was solid, and our special teams were effective in key moments.
“Our captains – Luke Turner, Matt Sorisho, Carter Cerretani, Conner Gaffney. Luke, Carter, and Conner were the leaders and backbone of our team, keeping the group together emotionally during much adversity,” Itami added. “They worked hard to maintain focus and trust amongst the boys. Matt Sorisho was our soul.”
Sorisho was paralyzed from an injury in a hockey game last October.
Catholic Central won the semifinal game over Grandville, which was coping with the devastating loss of one of its captains, Ryan Fisher, who died in his sleep the day of the game from an enlarged heart. Teams from both sides huddled for a prayer after the game.
“The aftermath of the Matt Sorisho injury, the loss of Peter Halash (2012 CC Captain), and Ryan Fischer (Grandville) was a challenge for the entire group,” Itami said. “Though the team may have deserved a happy ending to the season, we knew we were not entitled; that we had to work hard every day to earn it. We believe we earned it.”
Halash, who played for the Topeka Roadrunners, died in January from a car accident.
“CC scored twice in the first five minutes of the game, and the advantage they created did not allow us to counter,” said Brighton coach Paul Moggach.
DIVISION 2
Trenton dominated Hartland in the title game 8-3 to earn its 14th state championship.
“Hartland scored first,” said Trenton coach Mike Turner. “That got us going. We answered and continued to score. Scoring to go up 4-1 in the last second of the second period was a difference maker.”
Justin Dunn and Mitchell Gaela each scored three goals for Trenton, and Quinn Preston and Philip Pugliese scored one each.
“Mitchell Galea, Justin Dunn, Andrew Sawyer had terrific seasons scoring and in points,” Turner said. “They were in the top five in the MIHL total points. We knew we were going to get offense every night.”
Trenton finished at 26-4-1, while Hartland finished at 20-10-1.
DIVISION 3
Jason Petras scored two goals in the first period for Farmington, which sneaked out a 2-1 victory over Sault Ste. Marie. John Lethemon was the winning goalie for Farmington, which was outshot 30-22. “We had 30 quality shots on an all-state goaltender and was only able to beat him once,” said Sault Ste. Marie coach John Ferroni.
“It was certainly very exciting,” said Farmington coach William Newton. “We played great defense and were very happy to get out to a two-goal lead. Scoring first was key for all six wins in the tournament. John Lethemon’s steady play was also amazing.”
“I am extremely proud that this group was so resilient that they could return to the final game the second year in a row,” Ferroni said. “Our younger players developed quickly, which was very satisfying, and helped the older kids reach their goals.”
Sault Ste Marie ended the season at 25-3-1, while Farmington finished 22-10.