Salem earns pair of impressive wins
at MIHL Showcase tournament

Feb. 15, 2010, 1:05 p.m.

  Salem's hockey team will carry a double dose of momentum into Wednesday's KLAA playoffs opener against Livonia Stevenson (7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Cultural Center) thanks to a pair of victories at last week's MIHL Showcase tournament in Trenton.

  The Rocks improved to 12-6-3 by upending Birmingham Unified, 2-1, and Farmington, 4-2.

  The MIHL Showcase is the premier event for high school hockey in Michigan and is heavily scouted by junior and college hockey teams.

  "We played solid hockey in both games, which is something we have been looking for over the past couple of weeks," said Salem coach Ryan Ossenmacher. "Our top players stepped up and played very well. They definitely took advantage of the opportunity to play in the showcase.

  "Hopefully, we can build off this performance and play a solid game against Stevenson on Wednesday."

  Salem, the champions of the KLAA South Division, will take on a Stevenson team that is ranked No. 2 in the state.

  Josh Jarvela scored the Rocks' two goals against Birmingham. Mark McGee assisted on both net-finders while Mike Hochkins also picked up an assist.

  McGee and Jarvela also excelled in the victory over Farmington. McGee tallied a pair of goals while Jarvela notched a goal and two assists.

  Garrett Berg opened the scoring for Salem off assists from Macari and Jarvela. Ryan Quigley and Ryan Blakey also picked up assists for the winners.