Buzz-beater sinks St. Mary's following pair of key league wins

The bitter rivalry between Walled Lake Western and Walled Lake Central is palpable on any field of play, and the hockey rink is no exception, which made Western’s City Cup-clinching victory last week all the more special.

The Warriors defeated the Vikings, 5-1, to hoist the City Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the annual game between the two schools.

“We came out hard and ready to play,” said Western Head Coach Matt Prashaw. “The team really wanted this win, and to take the cup back from Central. It was high-energy and emotional for both teams.”

Western (7-5 overall, 1-4 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division, 2 points) wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard, as Mike Marasco scored two minutes into the game thanks to assists from Cooper Nye and Trevor Couch.

AJ Patrick and Julian Pierce then followed by each scoring a goal on feeds from Kyle Hooks, Julian Pierce, Marasco and Austin Sarah to take a 3-0 lead at the first intermission.

Central (2-6-1 overall, 2-5-1 in the KLAA North, 5 points) was able to respond in the second period courtesy of a goal by Matt Rosteek.

However, Western would put the game away in the third period, as Hooks scored off an assist by Sarah while Josh Raptis scored off assists from Michael Condon and Wes Sjorgen.

Western will play at Hartland tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Hartland Sports Center, before taking on Huron Valley Milford at the same arena on Friday, Jan. 28 and then returning to Lakeland Ice Arena to face Waterford Mott on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Central will take on Waterford Kettering tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Lakeland Ice Arena before taking on Walled Lake Northern at the same arena on Friday, Jan. 28.

Central has also announced that its game against the Summit Academy on Saturday, Feb. 5 at Lakeland Ice Arena will also serve as a fund-raiser to support Drew Clayborn, a 15-year-old sophomore student who is a quadriplegic. Prior to an accident, Drew played football and basketball, in addition to playing the tuba and acting in school musicals.

All proceeds from the game will go to help Drew and his family. A raffle will also be held at the game.

For more information, visit drewscrew.org.