Macomb Township, Clinton Township

Jakubik named Coach of the Year in MAC Red as individual accolades go out

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Erin Sanchez Senior Quin Warnack was one of three Dakota players named to the Red Division All-Conference team in the MAC this season. The Cougars’ Mike Jakubik was named Coach of the Year in the Division. Photo by Erin Sanchez Senior Quin Warnack was one of three Dakota players named to the Red Division All-Conference team in the MAC this season. The Cougars’ Mike Jakubik was named Coach of the Year in the Division.

During the season, the awards were geared toward the team as a whole.

Now, roughly a month after claiming the Macomb Area Conference Red Division title, the individual accolades are rolling in for the Macomb Dakota hockey team.

The Cougars soared to one of their most successful seasons in the winter of 2011-12, claiming the top spot in the Red with an 8-1-1 record within the division and a 19-4-2 overall mark.

When the MAC released its All-Conference rosters, Dakota was well spoken for.

“The guys nominated were a great representation of our team as a whole,” said coach Mike Jakubik, who was selected Coach of the Year in the Red. “I thought there were a few more that could have just as easily been on this list.”

As for taking home the top-coaching honor, Jakubik was humbled.

“I was surprised, but very happy,” he said. “Truthfully, I owe it to my assistants and the players for buying into the system and working so hard all year to get done what we wanted to. I don’t get this without any of them.”

As far as his players are concerned, seniors Quin Warnack, Robert Haney and Matt Gurin, and junior Chad Roskelly were all named to the All-Conference roster.

Other local players recognized
Utica Eisenhower placed second in the final Red standings, a point behind Dakota with a 7-1-2 record, but senior forward Stefan Trentacosta used his eight goals and 12 assists in league play to earn himself the Red Division Most Valuable Player award.

Fellow senior Brock Brothers, who notched 11 goals and dished out seven assists, was also named to the All-Conference team.

Senior forward Evan Corbett and senior goalie Ian Fish helped Macomb L’Anse Creuse North to a 5-5-0 record and a second-place finish in the MAC White. Both guys were named All-Conference.

Clinton Township Chippewa Valley senior forwards Zach Greiner and Alex Wodnicki were also named to the All-Conference team in the White.

The Big Reds finished 4-6-0 in White play.

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