Survive and advance is the name of the game come playoff time! Not only did the Flint Powers Chargers survive but they arguably laid out their best semi-finals performance in school history, dominating the Riverview Fr Gabriel Richard Pioneers 6-0. Just a month ago, these top 5 D3 teams squared off in Trenton at the MIHL showcase, with the Chargers prevailing in a 4-3 nail-biter.

The Chargers “red hot” senior Michael Tucker did not waste any time setting the tone just three minutes into the game. Tucker received a dish from Parmentier, used his quick feet to create space ripping off a snapper just inside the right of Pioneers netminder Ryan Rainey to capture the early lead. At 11:15, the Charger penalty kill unit got tested on a Nolan Berner roughing. With a couple quick solid saves, Nicholas Kurtiak helped power the Chargers back to full strength. At the 7:40 mark, Chargers Greg Feamster displayed “Beast” like tendencies in front of the Pioneer goaltender, drawing a cross checking penalty, giving the Chargers their first power play opportunity on the afternoon. Weston Reinig took complete control, circled the Pioneer net, tossed a backhand to the net as Sly created a little disruption and it found its way past Rainey.

Heading into the 2nd period with a two-goal lead, the Chargers continued to spread the wealth around. Junior Nolan Berner found the back of the net with a fundamental wrister from the point. Soon after, the Chargers penalty kill stepped up again like it has all year with the relentless forechecking of senior Cooper Gerhardt. The fourth Charger to light the lamp came on a Feamster snipe just north of the face off dot, into the upper left corner of Rainey. What a beauty! With 30 seconds remaining in the 2nd, Kurtiak built a brick wall, stopping consecutive Pioneer point blank shots. The 3rd period was all about the Chargers final execution. The goaltending, power play and penalty kill remained in full effect. At 8:42, senior Mason Czarnecki performed a filthy move on the Pioneers netminder to put the Chargers up 5-0. Then, it was as if the netminder Rainey was searching for his athletic supporter. Finally, at 2:44, the 6th Charger to enter the stat sheet was senior Kevin Adriaens. Adriaens notched his second goal on the season redirecting sophomore Andrew Burny’s on-ice laser from the blue line. Kurtiak unquestionably brought his “A” game to the USA Hockey Arena, securing the shutout with 25 saves.

The Flint Powers Chargers will now look to finish their goal entering the State Championship v East Grand Rapids!

Final: Powers 6 Gabriel Richard 0 Shots: Powers 29 Gabriel Richard 2