Portland Duo Helps Lansing Senators Black to District 6 Championship
Portland hockey players Evan Blackmer, PHS freshman, and Reese Sandborn, PMS 8th grader, along with their 2017-18 undefeated Lansing Senators Black 14U hockey team were crowned District 6 Champions at the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) District Playoffs at Ferris State University February 2nd-4th. The Senators Black team dominated the round robin play, defeating the Jackson Giants 6-2, Fox Motors Blue Hounds 10-0, and Fox Motors Red Hounds 14-0. They earned their spot in the championship battling against the West Shore Wolves in a tight semi-final game, culminating in a 4-2 victory. The Senators Black team faced the Big Rapids Ice Dogs in the Championship game. The Sens took an early first period lead with a short-handed goal. The Ice Dogs evened the score with a power play goal early in the second period. The Sens answered with a stretch of 3 goals in under 5 minutes in the second. The Sens added to their lead in the third period with the game ending in a convincing 5-1 victory over the Ice Dogs.
The Senators Black team now boasts an impressive record of 38-0-0, outscoring their opponents 314 to 40, and will be heading to the MAHA State Playoffs at historic Dee Stadium in Houghton, MI, March 9th-11th, in their quest for the 2018 State Championship title.
After capturing their Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League (LCAHL) Division title earlier in the season, the Senators Black team will be advancing to the LCHAL playoffs beginning February 11th in their battle for a 2018 LCAHL Championship. Their first playoff contest versus the Metro Jets will be held February 11th at 12:00pm at the Summit Sports and Ice Complex in Diamondale.
The 2017-18 Lansing Senators Black 14U team roster includes:
#2 Colton Czymbor, 9th grade, Williamston
#4 Jack Melnick, 8th grade, Jackson Lumen Christi
#5 Reese Sandborn, 8th grade, Portland
#7 Evan Blackmer, 9th grade, Portland
#8 Brady Lefere, 8th grade, Jackson Lumen Christi
#9 Declan Quinn, 8th grade, Haslett
#11 Carter Myers, 8th grade, Grand Ledge
#12 Tilman Zsigo, 8th grade, Corunna
#13 Colten Roach, 8th grade, Okemos
#24 Sophia Kashenider, 8th grade, Dewitt
#32 Lucas Lanczy, 8th grade, DeWitt
#33 Caden Ojibway, 7th grade, St. Johns
#54 Coye Ojibway, 9th grade, St. Johns
#77 Brody Ostrander, 9th grade, Okemos
#88 Jackson Horn, 8th grade, Grand Ledge
Head Coach, Eric Blackmer
Assistant Coaches, Sean Lefere, Chad Myers, and Brian Quinn
Manager, Natalie Sandborn