Berkley

Berkley-Ferndale rolls in season opener, beats Pinckney High 8-1

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Sean Work Berkley’s Gianni Bonello battles with a Pinckney forward during the Nov. 14 game. The Bears went on to win 8-1 in the season opener. Photo by Sean Work Berkley’s Gianni Bonello battles with a Pinckney forward during the Nov. 14 game. The Bears went on to win 8-1 in the season opener.

BERKLEY — After setting a program record with 22 wins a year ago, Jeff Fleming said he’s hoping people understand those kinds of results aren’t typical for any team every single year.

His guys may have created some doubt in that Wednesday night.

The Berkley-Ferndale Unified hockey team kicked off the 2012-13 season in grand style Nov. 14, rolling past Pinckney High 8-1 in the season opener at home.

“Not a bad way to start for our guys,” Fleming said with a laugh. “We got great goaltending, and for a first game, the kids really played well together.”

Ian Melrose got the scoring started roughly eight minutes into the first period.

Alex Rawlik and Curtis Carne also scored in the opening frame to give the Bears a 3-0 lead.

Nolan Young and Joey Leider scored in the second.

Melrose added his second of the game in the third, and then Zack Segall and Gianni Bonello capped the scoring.

“I really wasn’t expecting that,” Fleming said of the offense. “I’m glad to see it, though. The kids skated hard, moved the puck and were able to capitalize. I think we used our speed and were very unselfish.”

All-State goalie Stephen Wroe picked up right where he left off last year, finishing the game with 16 saves.

The Unified squad will be back in action Nov. 16 against Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills at the Northern Lights Arena in Alpena.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038. Follow Mike on Twitter.