Lakeland Loses First Game in Hockey Tournament

When a receiver is open down field in football, it’s common to see them wave their hand in the air, calling for the ball.

But seeing something like that on the ice is a rarity.

Thursday afternoon at the Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase in Chelsea, that’s exactly what happened — just add a stick.

Michael Potoneic scored the goal in epic fashion for Rochester United as they skated to a 4-1 defeat over Lakeland. Following a fiasco in the United defensive zone, Potoneic skated as far as he could to receive the puck – inches away from the Lakeland blue line.

He stood, with no one within 30 feet of him, waving his stick rapidly in the air calling for the puck. Aaron Sulesky made the deep pass to Potoneic, who pulled a double-deke on Lakeland goalie Mitch Leist and found the back of the net.

“I looked down-ice and I saw Suleskey. We made eye contact and he hit me with the puck,” Potoniec said. “I was going down thinking should I go backhand or forehand. I was able to beat him. I got pretty excited after that.”

The goal helped to extend the United lead to two goals.

Lakeland trailed early but spent most of the first period in the United defensive zone. The Eagles out-shot their opposition heavily in the first period. Despite the discrepancy United managed to notch the only goal in the opening period.

“In the first we played terrible in our own zone. I told the guys to crank it up in our zone and play with more intensity,” Rochester United head coach Dave Underdale said.

The Eagles battled back late with a goal in the third period; however, United answered right back. Rochester United (8-10-1) plays again Saturday against Plymouth at 4:15 p.m. Lakeland looks to rebound against St. Claire Shores on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.