Some teams alternate wins and losses consistently throughout the season. The Oxford-Avondale United hockey program is not one of those teams.
OAU has shown a fondness of long streaks, both positive and negative. After dropping five consecutive contests from Jan. 9-25, head coach Derek Billis’ squad played their best hockey of the season and ripped off four straight victories from Jan. 29-Feb. 2.
Following back-to-back losses to Utica-Ford United and L’Anse Creuse Unified on Feb. 6 and 8, respectively, OAU broke out in a big way against Grand Blanc on Feb. 11.
Taking place at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, OAU established a new season-high in goals and routed the Bobcats, 12-5. The boys had previously scored eight goals against Bishop Foley United on Jan. 30 and seven on two separate occasions.
The first of a six-goal barrage in the first period, Avondale junior Nate Poplars began the scoring less than two minutes after the puck was dropped. Poplars would finish with a hat trick, adding OAU’s second and 11th tallies of the night.
Sophomore center Ben Hepp also recorded three goals, juniors Brian Budde, Ryan Honig, Ethan Schneider, Brendan Vogler, sophomore Coen Hao and senior Donovin Thompson each chipped in one goal. Hepp and Vogler and the only two of this septet to attend Oxford High School, the other five players attend Avondale.
Continuing to split the action in net with classmate Brett Dinges, junior Austin Spivey drew the start vs. Grand Blanc, finishing with 28 saves on 33 shots (85 percent).
Possessing a current record of 8-13 (1-5 Oakland Activities Association White), OAU is in fifth-place in the division, two-games back of Farmington United in the loss column.
The boys hosted Farmington at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Township on Feb. 15. Results from this pivotal league clash were unavailable at press time but will be covered in the Super Leader edition on Feb. 26.
OAU will round out the home portion of their schedule on Feb. 20 vs. Troy United at 7:15 p.m. The team’s three seniors, Marino Bucci, Matt Schultz and Thompson will be recognized pregame, along with their parents.
For many, high school hockey is the culmination of their competitive careers. The program prides themselves on making sure the parents of these student-athletes are also honored for all the sacrifices made to help their sons get to this point.