Shamrock hockey driven by unfinished business

Gordon Jones ’22

Covid-19 restrictions have impacted us all in a unique way. Whether it’s getting used to wearing masks, or social distancing, or being online every other day, we all have had to adapt and overcome the challenges brought on by the pandemic and restrictions made to help stop the spread.

Winter sports have been uniquely affected by the restrictions. Michigan health officials said that indoor contact sports were likely to spread the virus, and, therefore, the state government and the MHSAA have had to push back the start of the season. While the swim, bowling, ski and boardercross teams have all been mostly on schedule, basketball, wrestling, and hockey were all postponed.

The 2021 Varsity Hockey team has already had to overcome extreme challenges and the season has only just begun. The team started this season on a positive note with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Cranbrook in their first game.

The very next day the boys traveled to Mount Clemens to face off against Catholic League rival De La Salle. The Shamrocks prevailed with the 3-0 victory over the Pilots to improve to 2-0.

The season so far has included wins over Division 2 powerhouse Livonia Stevenson, Catholic League rivals Brother Rice, U of D, and Divine Child, and Brighton and Grosse Pointe North.

They have one loss on the season against Cranbrook with a score of 4-0.

However, they avenged this loss with a 3-0

victory in the Catholic League Championship game. Coach Kaleniecki looks to make a push to the state championship after the Covid-19 lockdown cut short an extraordinary playoff run last year.

Coach Kaleniecki spoke on the challenges that this tumultuous offseason and state setbacks have given the team.

“The biggest thing is trying to keep everyone focused on the day ahead of them,” he said.

When asked about how this year’s team has responded to the challenges, he said, “I’m blown away by how well they have been able to focus and how engaged they are day in and day out.”

About their goals for this unusual season, senior captain Nicholas Borchardt said, “Those goals include competing hard every day at practice, making the most out of every game, especially with such a short season, and staying safe so we can play.”

Senior captain Brenden Cwiek is especially proud of how this team has overcome struggles.

“Covid-19 has taken away a lot of our freedoms and motivators. We miss having the students in the stands; we miss being able to bond in the locker room after practice. The fact that the team has overcome these losses shows that we were able to take on the worst of the adversity. With that in mind, I have no doubt that this team can take on any challenge that we face during the season.”

Shamrock hockey gets ready to hit the ice.

Photo submitted