’98 Honeybaked squad – HPHL champs
Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player. Have your team highlighted on our website and in Michigan Hockey Magazine by e-mailing editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com.
The inaugural High Performance Hockey League playoffs ended on a high note for the ’98 Honeybaked Team. They completed an undefeated run in league play, including a 4-0 sweep in Grand Rapids at the Edge Ice Arena. The Final fittingly pitted HB against their bitter rival, Little Caesars. Way back in early November, the two teams skated to a 4-4 tie – the only blemish on the ’98 Honeybaked HPHL ledger.
The final game was like all the rest between these two – close scoring and hotly contested. The teams traded goals through 40 minutes, entering the 3rd stanza tied at two apiece. The third period was tense, as both sides had terrific chances to break the deadlock. Dylan St. Cyr was clutch for the ‘bakers, with 22 saves. Caesars had some excellent flurries in the third, coming a crossbar away from taking a 3-2 lead halfway through the final period of play.
That left the offensive heroics for Nik Pastujov. He tallied first for the HB side, but with four-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation, defenseman Ryan Bederka broke out of his own zone, spotted Pastujov at the LC blue line and deftly lobbed an aerial pass over the defenders in the neutral zone. Pastujov gloved the puck down and went in on a breakaway. Caesars goaltender Michael Latorella ended with 51 saves, but Pastujov bested him in the moment, deking and directing the puck through the goaltender’s legs for the game-winner.
Little Caesars pressured for the equalizer, but Honeybaked stayed strong. Right to the end, these two outstanding teams played in top form. In the end, the Honeybaked ‘98s won the 1st-ever HPHL championship with a 3-2 victory. It was hard-earned and deserving. Congratulations to the team and Coaches Pat Peake and Kevin Hatcher.