Michigan Ice Hawks Red ’00 Team wings Spring Rumble
Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player. Have your team highlighted on our website and in MiHockeyMag by e-mailing editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com.
The Grosse Pointe-based Michigan Ice Hawks Red team surprised an arena full of hockey observers when this newly-assembled team won the 2012 Spring Rumble Gold Division Championship on April 22 at Great Lakes Sports City Arena. The team beat Little Caesars’ Tier II 4-3 in a rousing final.
The Ice Hawks opened against the Farmington Fire and played like they have been together for years. The Hawks raced out to a 3-1 lead after one period but left many opportunities on the ice. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the Fire had a lot of fight left in them and scored five unanswered goals in the second to take a 6-3 lead. Despite a furious charge at the end, the Hawks suffered their first loss of the spring season, 7-6.
Entering the second day of the tournament, the Hawks understood that they had to win both games to make it to the semifinals. They faced a strong Rochester Rattlers team on Saturday morning. After a tight 0-0 first period, the Ice Hawks opened up the game in the second period, out-scoring the Rattlers for a 4-2 lead. Then the Hawks got really busy, putting in three more goals in the third period to make the final score 7-2.
Next up was Summit Plastics. The game started a bit rough for the Ice Hawks who went down 4-1 in the first minute of the second period. But that didn’t stop the team as they then scored six unanswered goals to go up 7-4. After a bit more back and forth, the Ice Hawks prevailed 9-6.
In the early morning game on Sunday, the Hawks jumped out to a 2-1 lead after one period over the Birmingham Rangers. The Rangers carried the play in the second period, however, to take a 3-2 lead after two. Again, the Ice Hawks came out strong in the third period and scored three unanswered goals to take a 5-3 lead. The Rangers appeared to close the gap to 5-4 later in the game on a delayed penalty call, but the goal was waived off as a player left the Rangers bench before the goalie had reached the bench. After that, the Ice Hawks’ defense clamped down and the Ice Hawks held on for a 5-3 win and a trip to the finals.
The Ice Hawks met an experienced Little Caesars Tier II team in the championship. LC jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one, with their goalie stopping many Ice Hawk chances. The Ice Hawks would not be deterred, and like they had done all weekend, they had a spirited rally, scoring four goals in the second period (with two goals scored in the last 16 seconds of the period) to take a 4-3 lead into the third. Both teams tried to put another puck in the net but neither team was successful, thus allowing the Ice Hawks to win their first tournament together.
As can be expected, the kids were excited beyond belief – and so were the coaches.
“I am so proud of the team,” said head coach Greg Cheesewright. “They came back in four of the five games. It showed what heart these kids have. For having been together for all of three weeks and three practices, and to win a competitive tournament, I can’t wait for what lies ahead.
“What a way to start. Outstanding!” added coach Paul Fox.
Fall tryouts are June 9 and 10. To learn more about the 2000 Red team, visit the website at www.00mihred.com