Troy Athens High School

Bloomfield Township, MI — Troy United’s remarkable season came to a close Saturday night in the Regional Semifinal at the Detroit Skating Club, falling 6–5 in overtime to Utica Fraser United. Utica Fraser struck first, building a 2–0 lead in the opening period before captain Joey Clark (Troy High School) brought Troy United back into the game with a rebound tap-in on the power play. Moments later, Alex Lowry (Athens High School) tipped in a shot from defenseman Aaron Stinson (THS) to tie the contest at 2–2. Ben Dumas (AHS) added a goal late in the first period to give Troy United a 3–2 lead heading into intermission. In the second period, Dumas capitalized on a Utica turnover, breaking away for his second goal of the night to extend the lead to 4–2. Utica answered late in the period, but senior Tyler Jewell (THS) responded with a blue-line shot that found the back of the net, sending Troy United into the third period with a 5–3 advantage. The third period tested Troy United’s resolve. A penalty allowed Utica to score and cut the deficit to 5–4. With 1:42 remaining in regulation, a turnover in the defensive zone gave Utica the opportunity to tie the game at 5–5 and force overtime. Troy United controlled much of the overtime period and generated several quality scoring chances, but in the closing seconds, a turnover led to Utica Fraser’s game-winning goal, ending the contest 6–5. Despite the heartbreaking finish, Troy United’s season will be remembered as one of the program’s finest. The team captured the OAA White Division Championship with an undefeated league record and finished the regular season with a 25–2 mark. Best of luck to the 13 seniors who helped transform the program and set a new standard for Troy United hockey. Story by: Jason Clark Photo credit: Shannon Blaeske