A great traditional father/son weekend for the Flint Powers hockey program, as they journeyed south to the Cincinnati area, to face off against a couple high potent Ohio clubs. The Chargers came away victorious in both duels 5-3 (ArchBishop Moeller) and 2-1 (Dayton Stealth), testing their toughness, maturity and most notably their resilience.

Friday Game: ArchBishop Moelller Crusaders

Less than two minutes into the game, the Chargers drew first blood when Brody Neelands connected with senior Nolan Berner, as he notched his first of three tallies on the evening. The Chargers were then handed two back to back power play opportunities but came up empty.

At the 1:31 mark of the first period, a turnover in the Charger defensive zone ensued. The Crusaders Christian Mercalde wheeled out in front and sniped Gavin Stutts-Miller far post to tie it one apiece. With only 36 seconds on the clock, Ayden Cook served the biscuit to Berner on the breakout. Berner blew down the ice, snapping it by the Crusaders netminder Sackenheim to steal the lead 2-1.

Just 3:46 into the second period, the Crusaders quickly seized the equalizer (2-2). Then, Berner countered back, bagging the hat trick on a 2 on 0. Sophomore Andon Harwood served up the helper.

Both clubs fought tenaciously back and forth, before the Crusaders once again evened up the contest. Less than three minutes remaining, the Chargers captured two consecutive goals. Landon Miller lit the lamp on a dish from Berner to go up 4-3. Then, the Chargers Brendan Sly possessed the rim-around off the boards from Andrew Burny. Sly dangled the Crusaders’ defender in the corner and went straight to goal, sniping Mercalde's five-hole to seal the deal. Netminder Gavin Stutts-Miller secured his 4th win.

Final: Powers 5 Moeller 3

Saturday Game: Dayton Stealth (32-3-2) Top 5 team in Ohio

The first period was nothing short of fast physical play, something the Chargers team had not quite seen to date. It was the type of game where if you did not have your head on a swivel you just might be seeing stars or waking up the next day feeling like you were hit by a “Mack” truck. From the puck drop at 1:45p to the sound of the third period horn, resembled nothing short of an “old time” playoff hockey environment, 100%.

The Stealth and Chargers traded both power plays and penalty kills throughout the first period until the 1:31 mark, when the Stealth slipped one past the Chargers senior netminder Blake Zloto. The Chargers found their backs against the wall having to burn a five minute major penalty. With a concerted effort, the boys got the job done! At 5:21 of the second period, the senior Dru Wendlend rose to the occasion with his biggest goal of his high school career.

Wendlend timed the shot from Caleb Doll, redirecting it past the Stealths’ goaltender into the twine. The Charger stout pk unit had to once again stand strong as the Stealths’ relentless attack was never ending. At 5:18 of the third period, the hard-nosed sophomore Parker Bendall stole the show with the dramatic game winner. With the Stealth in penalty trouble, the Chargers burned the clock by simply playing keep away. Netminder Zloto earned his 9th win as Powers improved to 13-4.

A sizable win showing adversity and perseverance. So many guys stepped up in their roles displaying a team unit, filling their coaches and father’s in attendance with immense pride. A weekend to remember for sure.

Final: Powers 2 Dayton 1

Next game: Wednesday, Jan 24th v Midland Dow (SVL) 7:15p at Midland Civic Arena