Majors Visit Michigan State University
by Mike Annese
The St. Michael's Majors traveled to Michigan State from January 18th to 20th to take part in the 2nd annual Basil Bowl where St. Michael's and Detroit Catholic Central played in a showcase tournament with Brother Edmond Rice and Lake Forest Academy. All games were held in the historic Munn Ice Arena at Michigan State University.
The Majors were taken on an uplifting and educational tour of the storied Michigan State grounds by St. Mike's alumnus Jason Muzzatti, current goalie coach for the Spartans. Special thanks to Dean Orrico for organizing the tour with Jason. The Majors were coming off their first CISSA win this season – a 4 to 2 victory over Appleby College - and an exciting high-scoring game against St. Andrews College, in which the Majors lost 9 to 4.
The Majors First game at Munn Ice Arena was against Brother Edmund Rice. Prior to the game, Father Thompson spoke to the team and inspired them with a powerful message. Once the puck dropped, the Majors did not waste any time getting to the scoreboard. Luke Fitzgerald scored early in the 1st, assisted by Smorenburg and Romeo. The Majors powerplay was in full control later in the frame as Cam Dempsey netted his first of three, this one assisted by Fitzgerald and Romeo. St. Mike's ended the 1st period up 2-0.
Goalie Mark Nesbitt was tested numerous times in the 2nd and 3rd periods, coming up big with timely first and second stops. All the defensive pairings were quick to move the puck into the neutral zone. Everyone chipped in with impressive back-checking and key puck movement came from the likes of da Silvia, Pezzelli, Raftis and Orrico, as well as well-timed rushes from Basciano, Fisher, Geiger and Ban to help maintain control of the game. Dempsey's big break-out night was just under way as he bagged another goal in the 2nd period that was assisted by Smorenburg and Romeo. With less than five minutes remaining in the third period, under a lot of pressure from Brother Rice, the Majors dealt the final blow with Dempsey completing the Hat Trick. The goal was assisted by Raftis.
St. Michael's College and Detroit Catholic Central, both part of the Basilian Brotherhood, started Saturday with a joint Mass prior to their game. St. Michael's College, coming off a big win against Brother Edmund Rice, had a strong start. Detroit Catholic Central ended the 1st period up 1-0. The Majors contended in the 2nd and had a few close scoring chances as Mark Nesbitt kept the game close. St. Mike's did get one past the goal line in the 3rd, narrowing the gap to 3-1, but the goal was called back. Final score in the game was 5-0 for DCC.
