Hall of Fame
What a season it was for the Varsity Hockey team! The Shamrocks demonstrated their unwavering perseverance with a commanding 25-3-2 regular season and a series of decisive victories in the playoffs. They brought home the first state championship to the new campus on Wixom Road. This was a significant milestone, marking the team’s first title since 2005. The success was a testament to the outstanding leadership of the team captains, Tony Thomas, Kyle Nelson, and Dan Brown, and the collective effort of the coaching staff and the senior class. Together, they etched their names in CC history.
From winning the Catholic High School League Championship (CHSL) and the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) to showcasing their unity and dominance in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Tournament, the Shamrocks' path to victory was a thrilling one. They started with a resounding 6-0 shutout win over Farmington Unified, followed by a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Northville and a convincing 6-2 win over Livonia Churchill for the MHSAA Regional Crown. The Quarterfinal victory over South Lyon was a 4-0 shutout, and in the Semi-final, they triumphed over the 2008 Co-State Champions of Marquette with a 6-0 win. The State Championship game displayed their skill and determination, overwhelming the Highlanders of Howell with a 7-0 victory, sealing their run to the State Championship.
“We worked hard for that championship,” said junior forward Brent Darnell. “It was a great season with ups and downs, but in the end, it turned out great.”
Tri-captain Dan Brown reflected, “The big win at USA Arena was really important to us as seniors.” Tony Thomas added, “Winning the State Championship is the best feeling in the world, and there is no better way to go out than as a state champion.”
Several Shamrocks received CHSL and MIHL postseason honors. In addition, Brent Darnell was chosen as MIHL Co-MVP, Dream Team, and All-State First Team. Tony Thomas and Michael Szuma joined Brent on the All-State First team.
Front Row (L to R): Austin Hervey, Jake Downing, David Middleton, Zack Cisek, Tony Thomas, Connor Pankow, Nickolas Gatt, Steve Hensley, David Swierszczyk. Middle Row (L to R): Kyle Nelson, Mitchell Gatt, Mike Szuma, Chris Waterstreet, Coach Dan Veri, Coach Tom Nugent ’78, Coach Todd Johnson ’87, Coach Doug Itami, Coach Rick Buttery ’01, Brent Darnell, Ryan Obuchowski, Eric Winkler, Nick Crowley. Back Row (L to R): Mike Zylik, Brad Wilhelm, Eric Fragoso, Jimmy Botti, Dan Brown. Not Pictured: Matt Szybisty, Coach Gordie St. John, Coach Mark Johnson ’89, Manager Mike Giordano, Athletic Director Bob Santello
