Detroit Catholic Central captures second straight D1 state title

 

By Matt Mackinder –

PLYMOUTH – There’s a famous line in the cult classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” where Jeffrey Jones’ character utters the words “nine times.”

That, of course, is in reference to how many days Matthew Broderick’s character has missed school, but on Saturday night at Compuware Arena, Detroit Catholic Central did something for the ninth time – won a Division 1 high school state championship with a 5-2 win over Grandville.

It was also CC’s 12th state title all-time.

The game was especially ironic as on the eve of the two teams playing in the semifinals last year, Grandville captain Ryan Fischer tragically and unexpectedly died due to an undetected heart ailment.

This year, the two teams met in the finals.

“They’re such good people over there and you almost feel bad winning against them,” first-year Shamrocks’ head coach Danny Veri said. “The parents, the players, when we went there and played them (earlier this season), they welcomed us like we were family, but we made it very clear in the locker room (tonight) that we had a hockey game to win.”

The Shamrocks led 2-0 after one period on goals from JoJo Mancinelli and Andrew Spiegel and then made it 3-0 6:30 into the second on a Luc Krasicky tally.

Jacob Baum and Gianni Vitali then scored 14 seconds apart to pull Grandville to within 3-2 with 2:56 left in the period only to see CC’s Evan Rochowiak restore the two-goal cushion at 15:10.

MORE: VIDEO: Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Hockey Classic (a special Warrior “Rivalry Night” feature)

“When they got those two goals and were just one goal behind us, I think we got a little nervous,” said Rochowiak said. “I think that goal kind of took some pressure off.”

Rochowiak then scored at 13:50 of the third to salt the game away.

“The good thing about our team is we could run four lines and not have a problem with other teams’ top lines,” Rochowiak said. “We were kind of spread out on points, but I think that’s what made our team so good.”

On the Grandville side, coach Joel Breazeale said he was extremely proud of what his Bulldogs’ team has been through over the course of the past year.

“What I saw was the finest effort our boys could put forth against one of the finest high school teams in the country,” said Breazeale. “I’m not sure where they’re ranked, but I’m quite sure it’s in the top 10. We were within a hair’s breath of tying it up, but I am so proud of the boys and I know it’s been widely quoted, but this has been a remarkable journey over the last 53 weeks.

“It was a great game and a great team won. And two great teams played.”

Connor Fischer, younger brother of Ryan and sophomore forward with the Bulldogs, said the adversity he’s faced in the past year has been tough, but has made him stronger.

“It’s been a journey on the ice and off the ice,” Fischer said. “We couldn’t have made it this far without the support of the community. It’s been a great journey and a trying journey, but when all is said and done, I’m glad I went through it.”

Catholic Central goalie Spencer Wright made 22 saves for the win, while Myles Madden stopped 42 at the other end for Grandville.

The win also made Wright achieve a milestone after the game, at least in Veri’s eyes.

“(Wright) is so at that level, even-keel, whatever you want to call it,” said Veri. “Today literally was the first time I have seen him smile.”