Harrison Township

Fraser and L’Anse Creuse hockey on collision course to decide MAC Blue

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Junior Luke Thomas and the L’Anse Creuse hockey team have split two games against Fraser so far this season. The third and final game, one that could decide the division title, is set for 5:25 p.m. Feb. 18 at Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Junior Luke Thomas and the L’Anse Creuse hockey team have split two games against Fraser so far this season. The third and final game, one that could decide the division title, is set for 5:25 p.m. Feb. 18 at Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser.

A three-team division has officially transformed itself into a two-team race.

Barring something completely unexpected, Feb. 18 will be judgment day in the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division.

And the countdown has already begun.

“It’s very exciting. I know it’s something we’re looking forward to,” Fraser High hockey coach Don Krussman said last week. “I think everyone’s looking forward to it.”

At 5:25 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser, Krussman and his Ramblers will host Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse in what is shaping up to be a winner-take-all game for the Blue crown.

At press time, the teams were deadlocked in first place with 3-1-0 records in division play.

In the season’s first meeting Jan. 13, Fraser earned a 4-1 victory. In the second meeting Jan. 27, L’Anse Creuse earned a 4-1 victory.

In between those games, both squads have gone 2-0 against Blue rival Warren Mott, and both have one game remaining against Mott.

So the Feb. 18 showdown is a game both coaches have circled on their calendars, and one both are already prepping for.

“The first game was up and down, and back and forth. They got some great goaltending, and I think that was the difference,” L’Anse Creuse coach Wayne Tollon said. “I think this is a team we can beat again, when we’re playing smart hockey. We have to stay out of the box. We have to be disciplined and play our system. When we do that, as we saw in the second game, we’re a tough team to play against.”

“In that first game, I feel like we were able to dictate the pace,” Krussman said. “In the second game, they out-battled us. … The thing for us is the experience we’ve gotten as the season has moved on. We’re a young team, but these guys have seen what they are capable of when they play together. If we’re able to do that, I like our chances.”

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