Stoney Creek opens big with 8-0 icing of Utica
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
ROCHESTER — Rochester Stoney Creek posted a rare feat last season by turning in just five wins during the regular season before winning a regional championship.
The Cougars finished just below the five-hundred mark this season, yet have a chance to turn in the same feat his season.
Stoney Creek opened up the Division 2 boys hockey postseason in grand fashion Tuesday, scoring on their first shot of the game and cruising to an 8-0 triumph over Utica at The Onyx.
The Cougars will face Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the regional semifinals at the Onyx. L’Anse Creuse North opened up Tuesday with a 6-5, double-overtime victory over rival Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse.
“I like the way we played. We came out aggressive,” said Stoney Creek coach John Gruden. “We have to keep plugging away and keep doing the little things.”
Joseph Zarantello scored twice in the first four minutes and he converted on the first shot of the game for Stoney Creek, banging home a close-range shot unassisted with 14:40 still to play in the opening period.
He later added a goal off a cross from Sean Markaity at 12:53 to put the Cougars in control at 2-0. Later in the first period, Dom Zuelch got caught in the scoring act when he finished off a helper from Joe Costello.
Holding a 3-0 advantage in the second period, Stoney Creek (12-13-0) continued to find the back of the net. Costello, a freshman, made it 4-0 on a nice individual move, cutting back on a 2-on-1 power play rush and slamming home a shot from 10 yards out. He scored again later in the frame to put the game out of reach at 5-0. Matthew Zuelch assisted on both second-period tallies.
“We scored a couple of nice goals. We have a couple of nice players who can (finish),” said Gruden. “Sometimes when you do that, you can have a little bit of a letdown. I really like how we responded. We took the early lead and we didn’t let up.”
Brian Gill, Cameron O’Shea and Dom Zuelch all tallied in the third period for Stoney Creek, the latter with 3:32 to play which ended the game on the MHSAA mercy-rule.
“It’s an exciting time of year for these guys,” added Gruden, who team lost in the state quarterfinals last season to Midland. “It’s their opportunity to go out and show what we can do. They’re excited about it being tournament time.
“I think they know that we can get it done. I know it’s going to be tough, but the guys have been in these situations and they understand what it takes to compete (for a regional championship). I think everyone’s looking forward to that opportunity.”
Jake Landuyt picked up the shutout between the pipes for the Cougars, making 17 saves. Stoney Creek held a 24-17 shots edge in the game, scoring on 33-percent of its attempts.
The early deficit was too much for Utica (9-14-2) to overcome.
“That definitely didn’t help us,” said Utica coach Craig Staskowski. “The worst thing about it was after two periods it was 5-0 Stoney and I still think we outshot them, or at least played even. We didn’t play with the energy to stay in this game.”
To submit information to www.northoaklandsports.com, e-mail dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. To advertise, e-mail advertising@northoaklandsports.com
Category: Prep Wraps, Rochester Stoney Creek
