Canton hockey team earns impressive 4-1 win over Irish

 Canton hockey team earns impressive 4-1 win over Irish

Chase Hodges steers the puck behind the net Wednesday night.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way.

That was the unofficial adage for Canton’s hockey team during its 4-1 victory over Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard Wednesday night in a non-conference game played at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena.

Led by Will Schley’s four-point (two goals, two assists) night, the Cobras started and finished strong to hold off the Irish.

Canton junior Zack Vandefifer is congratulated by teammates after scoring the first goal
Canton junior Zack Vandefifer is congratulated by teammates after scoring the first goal

The Cobras built a 2-0 lead after the first period thanks to goals from Zack Vandefifer (with 3:30 left in the stanza) and John Nickel, who lit the lamp just 4.7 seconds before the first intermission.

(To check out video highlights from Wednesday’s game, click here.)

You da man, Demeester

The Irish threatened to grab an early lead, but were turned away by point-blank saves within a minute of each other from Canton goalie Riley Demeester, who was stellar throughout the contest.

Riley Demeester denied Wyatt Emmett on a breakaway during the second period
Riley Demeester denied Wyatt Emmett on a breakaway during the second period

The Irish sliced their two-goal deficit in half with 3:51 remaining in the second period when senior Evan Nelson scored on power play.

Trailing 2-1, Gabriel Richard amped up its offensive pressure mid-way through the final period, but a spectacular save by Demeester with 8:50 left preserved the hosts’ lead.

Irish ‘Schley-er’

Schley then put the victory on ice for Canton with two goals in the final 7:03.

Cameron James (two), Will Ott, Dylan Brooks and Nickel picked up assists for the Cobras.

The result left Canton with a 5-12 record, according to the Michigan High School Hockey Hub website.

 Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com

Canton sophomore Cyris Knowles beats a Richard player to the puck
Canton sophomore Cyris Knowles beats a Richard player to the puck
John Nickel carries the puck across the blue line
John Nickel carries the puck across the blue line

Ed Wright

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