Royal Oak Shrine Road Warriors: Latest 2 Away Wins Lift Record to 19-1

Most high school athletes love home cooking.

Put a hockey player on his home ice with family and friends in the stands and there is a good chance that good things will happen.  For the Royal Oak Shrine Knights, where they play doesn’t really matter, as two more road victories last week lifted their record away from John Lindell Arena to 9-1 (19-1 overall).

Royal Oak Shrine defeated Fenton 8-0 last Thursday at Hartland Arena.  Joe Nagle, Chris Bradley and Dan Tresnak each scored 2 goals to lead the Knights.  Zack Zednik and Will McFarland also added scores.  On Saturday, the Knights traveled to Lapeer to play Lakeville-Otisville.  Chris Bradley managed a hat trick to lead the Shrine squad to a 9-1 win.  Joe Nagle and Ryan Bradley added two goals each.  Dan Tresnak and Zack Zednik chipped in solo efforts.

“The offense has been clicking lately.  The boys have worked really hard at creating pressure in the offensive zone and are taking advantage of their opportunities,” said Knights Head Coach A.J. Plaskey.

However, it’s the defense that really makes Coach Plaskey smile.  “Three of our six defensemen are new to the team.  We have no seniors on the blue line.  Our defense has really exceeded our expectations given the relative youth of the group.”

Returning defensemen Chris Kelly, Tripp Callanan and Drake Eckert are joined by newcomers Troy Button, Josh Essensa and P.J. Haduck.  No one could be happier with the defense than goalie Steve Erwin.  He has only allowed 6 goals in his last 6 games played, including 3 shut-outs.

“Steve has been a real stalwart for us in goal.  He has kept us in some tight games.  With the defense starting to gel, we are hoping to give ourselves a chance in every game.”

Despite success on the road, there is still “no place like home.”  The Shrine Knights face a big game this Friday night at John Lindell Arena against Notre Dame Prep.  The game will play a large part in determining whether Shrine will make it to the Catholic League Championship game on Feb. 17. 

“Our goal all year has been to work hard and make good things happen.  Friday night will be a huge test for us,” said Coach Plaskey.

NOTE:  The Royal Oak Shrine Catholic High School Hockey Team is a unified team which includes players from Shrine, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic High School (Waterford) and Everest Collegiate High School (Clarkston).

This article was written by Dennis Cowan.