Utica Eisenhower claimed a significant victory over Utica-Fraser Unified, winning 7-4 on January 19, 2024, solidifying their position at the top of the Macomb Area Conference Red Division. The Eagles showcased their dominance at Suburban Ice Macomb, outshooting their opponents 53-21 and maintaining control throughout the match.
Eisenhower began the game with a strong response after falling behind early. Utica-Fraser’s Luke Muczynski scored the first goal just 14:22 into the first period, giving his team a brief 1-0 lead. However, the Eagles quickly turned the tide, with three goals in just over seven minutes. Joey Zelenak found the net to equalize, marking his 21st goal of the season, followed by goals from Bode Farr and Brenden Sutton, pushing the score to 3-1 by the end of the first period.
As the match progressed, Nathan Schilkey scored twice, bringing his season total to 26 goals. His efforts helped Eisenhower build a 4-1 lead, despite Alexander Gorgievski’s attempt to close the gap for Utica-Fraser. Schilkey’s prolific scoring continued to be a key factor as the Eagles maintained a 5-3 advantage heading into the final period.
In the third period, Zelenak and Aidan Evans extended Eisenhower’s lead to 7-3. Evans’ goal marked his first of the season, underscoring the team’s depth and collective effort. Gorgievski managed a late goal for Utica-Fraser, but it was not enough to shift the outcome. The Eagles improved their record to 15-6-0 overall and 5-1-0 in the league, leading the MAC Red Division with 15 points and two games remaining.
Eli Chodun, the goaltender for Utica-Fraser, faced a barrage of shots, making 46 saves on 53 attempts. Utica-Fraser’s record now stands at 6-16-0 with a disappointing 0-6-0 in conference play.
Warren De La Salle Triumphs Over Traverse City West
In another notable match, Warren De La Salle secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against Traverse City West on January 20, 2024. Ryder Legwand netted the winning goal with just 2:09 left in the third period, assisted by Keegan Tylor. This win puts De La Salle’s record at 8-8-0 for the season.
The Pilots started strong with Zack Miller scoring the opening goal. Traverse City West responded, taking a brief lead with goals from Lincoln Seyferth and Max O’Hearn. However, Connor Blackwood’s equalizer kept De La Salle competitive. Colton Parraghi’s goal gave the Pilots a momentary lead before Drew Charland equalized with a power play goal. Rowan Gulewicz was instrumental in goal for De La Salle, making 25 saves.
St. Clair Shores Unified Secures Non-Conference Win
St. Clair Shores Unified also achieved a victory outside of MAC play, defeating Dearborn Divine Child 5-3 on January 19, 2024, at Arctic Coliseum. The Lakers showcased their offensive prowess, with goals from Zach Zmijewski, Caden Gersch, and Gavin Snarski, who scored the game-winning goal.
Both teams exchanged 39 shots, but St. Clair Shores took the lead with a strong second period, ending that frame ahead 4-3. Gersch’s goal, a standout moment, marked his team’s 26th of the season. Divine Child struggled to capitalize in the third period, failing to score again, while St. Clair Shores improved to an impressive 16-3-0 record, marking one of the best starts in the program’s history.
These recent performances highlight the competitive landscape of high school hockey in the Macomb Area Conference, with teams jockeying for position as the season progresses.
