Flint Powers Catholic (13-4) once again showed that they can compete with the best in the state knocking off #2 Hartland Eagles (15-4) this past Saturday. With a little rivalry spilling over from the summer/fall leagues, the Eagles and Chargers know each other well. Hartland currently holds the #1 spot in the D2 division and Powers #4 in the D3 division high school rankings. There will most likely be continual movement in these rankings up until the state tournament in March.

Kicking it off early into the first period, the Eagles Brady Balagna was called for a 5-minute major on illegal head contact. The best scoring opportunity that presented to the Chargers was Jacque Lavrack going in 1 on 1 with netminder Own Pogue and simply being robbed point blank. The Chargers and Eagles traded off activity in both ends of the ice but most of the pressure coming from the Chargers in the scoreless first period. Each team notched a goal in the 2nd period. The Chargers strike came at the 13:49 mark, when Lavrack and Carlock forced a neutral zone turnover going the distance executing a 2 on 1 with Lavrack finding the back of the net. Midway through the period, Powers were handed a 5 on 3 powerplay opportunity when the Eagles were called for back-to-back roughing and cross-checking penalties. The Chargers couldn’t generate any solid scoring chances. At 4:47, a scrum ensued in front of goaltender Nick Kurtiak when Hartland forward fell into Kurtiak, knocking the puck loose finding its way across the goal line, closing out the period 1-1.

As the feisty and physical play resumed into the 3rd, each team were delivered with three penalties apiece resulting in no man advantage. Kurtiak stood strong as the Eagles brought immense pressure. At the 4:26 mark, the Eagles defender attempted to keep the puck in the Chargers zone when Brendan Sly stepped in front blocking his shot. Sly scooped up the puck racing down the ice with Mason Czarnecki joining the rush creating a 2 on 1. Sly sauced the puck over to Czarnecki doing what he does best by beating Eagles goaltender Pogue for his 13th team leading goal of season. Kurtiak earned his 10th win.

Final: Powers 2 Hartland 1

Next Games:

Midland Dow, Wednesday, Feb 2nd, 7:15 @ Midland Civic Arena

De La Salle, Friday, Feb 4th, 1:35p @ Kennedy Recreation Center-MIHL Showcase

Brother Rice, Saturday, Feb 5th, 3:15p @ Kennedy Recreation Center- MIHL Showcase