The Chargers are still left with a little salty residue in their mouth from last years’ early exit in the state regional finals. The continued “bullseye” remains on the Chargers back as the pre-season D3 rankings slotted Powers in the #1 spot. This years’ team consisting of 13 returners and 9 newcomers are determined to right the ship!

This past week kicked of the commencement of high school ice hockey in the state of Michigan. Despite the fourteen inches of snow dropped in west Michigan on Saturday, the Powers Chargers went trekking across the state to meet up with the East Grand Rapids Pioneers.

The Chargers powered their way out of the stables early into the first period when senior defenseman Kyle Barbour found Junior Jack Siwek, sneaking in the back door to snipe his first career varsity goal. Less than two minutes later another first career goal was registered when sophomore “AP” Andrew Parmentier creatively slotted a wrister past Pioneer netminder Austin Stankowski to give the Chargers a 2-0 lead, which remained to end of the first.

The Powers penalty kill was assessed early into the 2nd period when the first of eight Charger penalties on the night was killed off. The Chargers seemed to pull away when junior forward Brendan Sly found himself all alone knocking home a generous rebound making it 3-0. The Chargers stood strong exhausting two more penalties to close out the 2nd. But not before Barbour lasered the long stretch pass to senior Mason Czarnecki up the gut slithering his way through center ice. The two-time all-stater Czarnecki did not disappoint as he notched his first of the year going 5-hole on Stankowski. The Chargers attempted a 3rd powerplay opportunity ending the 2nd period but with no such luck.

The lack of Charger discipline spread through the 3rd period, as the Pioneers capitalized on two powerplay goals by juniors Ian Mackeigan and Fin Wielenga to cut the lead by two.

Senior Goaltender Nick Kurtiak earned his first win of the season between the pipes facing 22 shots.

Powers 4

Pioneers 2

Next game: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd v Fenton/Linden @ Flint Iceland arena – 6pm

– Appreciation Night (Military & First Responders-Free Admission)