Hall of Fame
“What a great season!” under the guidance of CC Hall of Fame Coach Gordon St. John. With senior captains Eric Bratcher (“All Area”), Scot Curtin (“Mr. Hockey,” “Dream Team” and “All-State”) and Mike Porter (“All-State”), leading the way, the 1997 Catholic Central Varsity Hockey team captured the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s (MHSAA) Division I State Championship. They had a phenomenal record of 25-1-1 (15-0-1 in league play) and were ranked No. 1 in the state. On the way to the MHSAA State Championship the team also earned the titles of Michigan Metro League Champions and Regional Champions. CC outscored opponents 43-5 in the state tournament. Rick Marnon (All Area) made twelve saves and six Shamrock players each had a goal and an assist in a 7-0 victory over defending champion Trenton. CC Hall of Fame Coach Todd Johnson commented, “Trenton was the pinnacle and they smoked us the year before in the quarter finals, so we were thrilled and ready for them. The boys showed who was the best team”
The team set high goals and combined hard work and skillful play with a rough and tough style representing Catholic Central in its best hockey tradition and bringing Catholic Central another hockey state championship. The 1996-97 Shamrock Hockey Team capped off the season with 13 players earning post season honors and the team being named the #1 high school hockey team in the Nation by the National Sports News Service.
Front Row: Ian Devlin • Brett Murphy • Richard Marnon • Scot Curtin • Mike Porter • Eric Bratcher • Nick Kaleniecki
Back Row: Kevin Atto (Student Mgr.) • Brian Morrison (Asst. Coach) • Tom Monnier • Keith Rowe • Jim Melton • Joe Beaudoin • Greg Berger • Matt Van Heest • Matt Bieniek • Dave Turner • Tim Cibor • Nicholas Lewarne • Nick Selasky • Dan McLellan • Pat O’Dea • Mike Sharpe • Dave Turner • Brad Karabelski • Jason Tardif • Jordan Braciszewski • Anthony Keshishian • Rob Heitjan (Student Mgr.) • Mark Johnson (Asst. Coach) • Gordie St. John (Head Coach)
Missing: Todd Johnson (Asst. Coach) • Mike Giordano (General Manager)
