By Brian Kalisher –
Hockey is a game that can draw emotion out of anybody. The match-up between Westland and Fraser brought out the best in the players, coaches and parents involved.
The Westland Warriors defeated the Fraser Titans 3-2 to claim the Midget B state championship.
The Warriors’ Jordan Marek and Ryan Wheeler netted goals in the championship contest, after each contributing hat tricks during round-robin play. Chad Ford notched the game-winner and goaltender Justin Kolbicz made 26 saves to lead Westland to victory.
“The team was ecstatic,” coach Dan Marek said. “Ten or more of these kids have been with me since we’ve been second-year Squirt, first-year Pee Wee, so this team has been together for a long, long time.
“It brought tears to a lot of our eyes just because we’ve watched these boys grow from little Mites, actually two of the kids I’ve had since Mites. Watching them grow from Mites all the way up and finally achieve what they wanted to, it was a great accomplishment.”
According to Marek, this game was much more than simply winning; it showed how teams should treat each other and how important sportsmanship is to the game. During the state title contest, two Westland players collided, while one was taken off on a stretcher.
“They’re a great team, very well coached, the players are very respectful, they have great sportsmanship. I couldn’t ask to play a better team in the state championship. Their coaches – first class, their parents – first class, when that incident happened…our two players collided, as soon as the whistle blew, all the coaches were on the ice. Not just my team, but their team also. It just shows you the sportsmanship that coaches and players should have for each other.”
Several Westland players recorded outstanding games, including: Derek Klisz with a four-point effort, along with Jacob Noel and Joey Otte posting two points each.
MVP honors went to Fraser standout Nick Bordeaux and Marek was highly impressed with his skill.
“That kid right there, I would say is probably one of the best players I’ve ever seen play hockey,” Marek said.
Like many of the other state title games, this one was close. However, the Warriors earned victories in other tournament games with larger margins and even a comeback victory. The squad was only dealt one loss all tournament.
Teams like Westland and Fraser exemplify what the sport is all about at any level, no matter the stakes. Marek was glad that the teams got to play some quality, clean hockey.
“Hats off to both teams,” Marek said. “At Midget hockey we all know how hockey can get. In the championship game, five total penalties, both teams played hockey how hockey should be played. Very intense, a hard-hitting, but yet, the greatest thing was a night or two later these boys are adding each other on Facebook.”