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3/10/07-Hockey
Eaglets edge East Kentwood in 2 OTs
By KEN PACZAS/Special to The Oakland Press
PLYMOUTH--It took them three periods and more than one overtime period, but Orchard Lake St. Mary's finally scored 19 seconds into the second overtime, defeating East Kentwood, 1-0, in front of a packed crowd at the Compuware Ice Arena to advance to the Division 1 state finals.
Clinton Bourbonais, who had missed a chance earlier in the third period to score, found the puck off a deflection from Mac Watts and was able to wrist it past Ben Belton for the game winner.
"It feels great," Bourbonais said. "The puck was scrambling in front of the net and I was able to put it in. It's just an incredible thing."
St. Mary's (15-9-5) now goes on to play Marquette (21-3-5) at 7 tonight at the same venue, vying for the state championship.
"We just have to keep it going," Bourbonais said. "We haven't lost in our last eight game and we feel we are playing pretty strong hockey. Once we get on the ice, the fatigue from this game will be gone and we will be ready to go."
The Eaglets played the type of defense everyone has come to expect.
They swarmed loose pucks and played physical along the boards. Joe Savona was once again outstanding, stopping 29 shots in the 53-minute shutout.
"Our goalie play has been very good all playoffs," St. Mary head coach Brian Klanow said. "Against Northville and again tonight, our defense didn't give up many chances and when they were able to get shots, Joe Savona was very good."
There was no scoring in the penalty-filled first two periods. St. Mary's was called for four penalties in the first period and East Kentwood (25-4), three. Even though both teams had their power-play chances, neither could capitalize.
In the second period, Savona showed why he is considered one of the best in the area, making save after save for the Eaglets. With six minutes to go in the period, Jeff Sanders broke free from the Eaglet defense and got off a shot, but Savona was able to get a shoulder on it, deflecting the puck and preserving the scoreless period.
The third period and overtime was all East Kentwood, outshooting the Eaglets, 14-4. The Eaglets refused to lie down however, keep on plugging away and waiting for their chance to score.
"We have been unlucky in the past," senior defenseman Brandon Kozlowski said. "Tonight just had a different feel about it. We knew we were going to win and we tried to keep energized and focused."
Watts and Ben Shields each got the assist on Bourbonais' goal.
"East Kentwood is a great team," Klanow said. "A game as exciting and hard-fought as this shouldn't have a winner. I feel bad for their kids who played their hearts out. Both teams wanted it and we were fortunate to come out on top."
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