Former team manager fuels Plymouth's big win over Pats

  Last year at this time, Chase Zebari was keeping stats for Plymouth's hockey team.

  Saturday afternoon at Compuware Arena, Zebari was racking up some serious stats for the Wildcats.

  The senior forward proved to be an inspiration for all team managers who aspire to trade in their clipboard for a hockey stick when he registered a hat trick in the Wildcats' 6-1 triumph over Livonia Franklin.

  The win improved Plymouth to 1-0-2 overall and 1-0 in the KLAA South Division.

  Franklin slipped to 2-3 and 0-1, respectively.

  "I'm really happy for Chase; he's had a heckuva a game," said Plymouth head coach Paul Fassbender. "He's worked really hard to get where he is."

  Sean Smiatacz, Zach Gambrell and Justin Bauer also tallied goals for the Wildcats.

  Franklin's Tyler Satkowiak spoiled junior goalie Michael Justus's shutout bid when he wristed home a shot with just 0:01 left on the third-period clock.

  "Our guys kind of quit on the play; they thought it was over," said Fassbender. "It's a shame because Mike really deserved a shutout. He played great."

  A more-detailed recap of today's game -- in addition to video that features two of the Wildcats' goals -- will be posted soon.

Plymouth's Nate Brocci checks Adam Michael into the boards during a first-period encounter. (Ed Wright photo)

Plymouth goalie Michael Justus corrals a puck during the first period. (Ed Wright photo)

Franklin's Zack Wiacek tries to steer the puck around Plymouth's Cam Nadell. (Ed Wright photo)

Ryan Theissen unleashes a second-period slap shot. (Ed Wright photo)

Franklin goalie Travis Ferrier covers up the puck before Matt Goertz (12) can pounce. (Ed Wright photo)

Adam Michael played well for the Patriots. (Ed Wright photo)