from 4/5/23 Journal
Next Article
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — Everybody loves an underdog story, except maybe the teams that become a victim of circumstance in the league.
The Motor City Rockers (28-16-6) have clinched a playoff spot in their inaugural season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
While the Rockers aren’t surprised in the slightest to be earning the success they have this season, the rest of the league — including their interstate-94 rivals, the Port Huron Prowlers — have taken notice of the breakout team in the FPHL.
It comes with the territory of being the new guys in town and already establishing a successful foundation, and the forward Scott Coash said the team embraces that mentality.
“Everybody hates us,” Coash said. “Knowing we’re a brand new team, we’re doing so well, and we’re successful with what we have, they hate us. We’re definitely on everybody’s radar, that’s for sure.”
Through all the obstacles of constant moving pieces with trades and call-ups, injuries and even a 3-9 stretch midway through the season, the Rockers are right where they always thought they could be.
“It’s a spot I thought we could be in from the beginning of the season,” Rockers goaltender Trevor Babin said. “We had a little rough patch about halfway through with guys getting called up, injuries and guys moving in and out of the lineup, but I think at this point, we kind of expected it, and we’re holding ourselves to a standard that I think we can definitely hold ourselves accountable for.”
Currently 7-3 in their last 10 games, the Rockers took their last three series against the top two teams in their division — the Carolina Thunderbirds and Columbus Sea Dragons — and the Binghamton Black Bears, who are in second place in their respective division. The Rockers have outscored opponents 41-29 during their 10-game stretch.
Courtesy of Coash’s team-high 34 goals, the Rockers offense has been a force to be reckoned with this season.
Supporting Coash’s offensive output are forward Declan Conway
