“Detroit Catholic Central (CC) is back to where it’s accustomed,” stated Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News. It was the 12th State Championship in program history, including six over the last seven years.
For five months, the team faced adversity, injury, and pressure to establish their legacy. They overcame everything with perseverance and determination. The team, led by seniors Kevin Horal, Mycheal Evans, Colin Ronayne, Jason Lewarne, Brett Storm, Harrison Niemann, Mike Oakleaf, John Horal, Bryan Giosa, and Chris New, upheld the tradition of CC hockey. They finished the season with a record of 24-3-3.
In the Michigan High School Athletic Association's Division I Hockey tournament, CC won the regional championship by defeating a strong Farmington Hills Harrison team 5-4. They then beat Clarkston 3-1 in the semis to advance to the championship game.
The Shamrocks defeated East Kentwood in the Division I finals with a score of 4-0, marking the culmination of their season-long quest for the championship.
Harrison Niemann scored two goals, the first assisted by Dan Barczuk and Tim Buttery, and the second assisted by Jason Lewarne and Buttery. Mychael Evans, assisted by Dominic Scala and Wade LaFever, and Steve Jankowski, assisted by Drew Kahle and Dan Naurato, rounded out the scoring. Goalie Ross Tashjian made an impressive 16 saves for the shutout. Coach Todd Johnson praised Tashjian’s performance, stating, “He made key saves early and held the fort until we could get going.”
Front Row: L to R: Mike Oakleaf, Brett Storm, Kevin Horal (All State), Bryan Hogan, Greg Holland, Ross Tashjian (All State), Mychael Evans (All State), Mike Maviglia.
Second Row: L to R: Steve Jankowski, Evan Anton, Dan Naurato, Harrison Niemann (All State), Jason Lewarne (All State), Bryan Giosa, Tim Buttery (All State), Wade LaFever, Robert Lowney, Chris New.
Third Row: L to R: Coach Gordy St. John, Coach Jim McBroom, Dominic Scala, Adam McGee, Colin Ronayne, Nick Kroll, Dan Barczuk, Drew Kahle, Coach Todd Johnson ’87.
Not Pictured: Greg Merrill, Coach Mike Porter ‘97, General Manager Mike Giordano and Trainer Bob Ogar.
