Moment: Pendery Caps GRCC Comeback
April 9, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
When Jack Pendery scored 5 minutes and 25 seconds into overtime on March 11, 2016, he finished Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s comeback from a two-goal deficit and sent the Eagles to the Division 3 hockey championship game with a 3-2 win over Chelsea.
The Bulldogs quickly took a 2-0 first-period lead in this Semifinal. But the Cougars scored once in the second period and again in the third to tie the score, and for the game outshot Chelsea 53-24.
“All I heard was a bunch of screaming and roaring,” Pendery said postgame of his winning goal. “I didn’t honestly didn’t see the goal clearly go in, but at that moment I felt relief off my chest.”
Click for Grand Rapids Press coverage – Jack Pendery’s OT goal lifts Grand Rapids Catholic Central past Chelsea, into D3 state championship – and watch the game winner below with coverage from the NFHS Network.
Moment: Calumet Reigns as Ice King
March 30, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
More than 50 shots had been fired on goal through three periods of the Division 3 Hockey Final on March 8, 2008. But none had found the back of the net as Flint Powers Catholic and Calumet headed into overtime at Compuware Sports Arena.
To that point, Powers had outshot the Copper Kings 31-20 as the Chargers sought their first MHSAA Finals championship in this sport. But Calumet turned the tables in the extra period, outshooting Powers 5-1 and burying the game’s lone goal when Logan Rastello scored unassisted 4:18 into extra time.
For the game, Tyler Junttila made 32 saves for the Copper Kings, who locked up the sixth championship in program history.
Said Rastello after to the Flint Journal: “I just shot at the net, went and got the rebound and buried it five-hole," Rastello said. "That was a great win. I don't know how to describe it. I'm shaking.”
Click to read coverage from the Flint Journal – Powers Catholic’s hockey title dream ends with OT loss to Calumet in final – and see below for the deciding goal and celebration with coverage from the NFHS Network.