GP Bantam A Bulldogs Win District Title

Contributed by Patti Theros

The Grosse Pointe Bantam A Bulldogs won this year's MAHA District 3 tournament on Sunday, February 12 at Great Lakes Sports Center by beating the Rochester Rattlers 5-1 in the championship game. This was the Bulldogs’ third district championship in 5 years (2012, 2011 and 2008).

The Bulldogs entered the tournament ranked 3rd in the United States by MyHockeyRankings.com but would have to face some tough competition if they intended to repeat as district champions.

The Bulldogs first faced the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies. The Grizzlies gave the Bulldogs everything they could handle. After a rough couple of periods, the Bulldogs prevailed 3-1. The Bulldogs next faced cross-town rival, the SCS Saints. The Saints came into the tournament 31-5-3. The Bulldogs scored first and never relinquished the lead. Each time the Bulldogs scored, the Saints tied it up -- 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. The Bulldogs then scored the next two goals and held off a late Saints' surge to win 5-3.

Still in the winners’ bracket, the Bulldogs next opponent was the Rochester Rattlers. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead and won the game 5-0. After this win the Bulldogs had to wait until their next opponent emerged from the loser’s bracket. After 2 more games, the Rattlers emerged as the Bulldogs opponent in the finals.

The championship game picked up right where the prior game ended. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in the first; scored the fourth goal with 21 seconds left in the second; and scored the fifth and final goal midway through the 3rd period. The Rattlers scored a late power play goal to make the final score 5-1.

The Bulldogs will travel to Midland for the State finals on March 9. The Bulldogs are: kneeling, L-R, Harrison Griffin, Zack Pearson, CJ Ramsdell, Jonathan Theros, Sam Knoblauch, Logan Jenuwine, Griffin Brooks and Alex Grimm; standing, L-R, Zack Kaiser, Mac Cimmarrusti, JP Navetta, Brett Abdelnour, Marshall Vyletel, Jack Flynn, Harrison Wujek, Mac Welsher and Andrew Tomasi. Coaches, L-R, Robb McIntyre, Geoff Welsher and Mark Brooks.