The Mona Shores hockey team delivered an electrifying performance on Wednesday night at the Lakeshore Sports Centre. Facing off against Kenowa Hills, the Sailors dominated the pace of play throughout the game but found themselves in a nail-biting situation, trailing 2-1 as the third period neared its end. What unfolded in the final minutes, however, was nothing short of remarkable.
Relentlessly attacking the Kenowa Hills defense, the Sailors bombarded starting goaltender Jared Lang with a barrage of shots. Lang was a brick wall for much of the game, turning away shot after shot and keeping his team in the lead. Despite outshooting their opponents by an eye-popping 58-11 margin, Mona Shores struggled to crack Lang’s impenetrable presence in net. That is, until junior forward Eli Habetler stepped up and changed everything. With just 2:48 left on the clock, Habetler broke through with an unassisted goal to tie the game at 2-2, igniting a surge of energy in the Sailors and their home crowd.
As the clock ticked down to the final moments, senior forward Nathan Tilden seized the opportunity to shine. With an assist from his twin brother, Brady Tilden, Nathan scored a go-ahead goal with only 1:23 left on the clock, marking the Sailors’ first lead of the game. But they weren’t done yet. Brady Tilden sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, assisted by Brayden Bennett, with just 37 seconds remaining. The wild finish secured a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory for Mona Shores.
Head coach Chris Benedict was understandably ecstatic about the team’s performance, calling it “one of the best games we’ve played all season.” He praised the incredible effort of Kenowa Hills’ goaltender, noting how Lang’s stellar play forced the Sailors to fight tooth and nail for their scoring opportunities. “Kenowa Hills’ goalie was unbelievable. He stood on his head and made it difficult for us to get on the board. We carried the pace of play all night but really had to grind to find those dirty goals late in the game to get a win,” Benedict said.
The game served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Mona Shores squad. Benedict reflected on how far the team has come, especially in comparison to previous years. “In the past, we might have shut down against a goalie like that. This win says a lot about our team’s growth and ability to keep pushing,” he added.
One of the game’s standout moments came in the second period when senior forward Vaire VanderWalle opened the scoring for the Sailors with a goal assisted by Cullen Conrad. The first line, featuring the dynamic trio of Eli Habetler and the Tilden twins, continued to make waves throughout the night. Their chemistry, honed over three years of playing together, was evident in their seamless teamwork and relentless drive.
“I think we’re super dynamic offensively,” Benedict said of his top line. “Having twins on the line helps, but all three of them have motors that don’t quit. They’re team-first guys who will run through a wall if I ask them to. They lead by example and do whatever it takes to win.”
The Sailors’ performance marked a significant step forward for a team rebounding from last year’s struggles. After finishing the 2022-23 season with an 11-14 record—their first losing season under Benedict—Mona Shores is back in the mix, with a 9-4-1 record and a legitimate shot at contending for the O-K Fischer Division title. Benedict credited the team’s renewed focus and motivation to their determination to make up for last year’s disappointments.
“Last season was tough,” Benedict admitted. “We try to build a winning culture every year, but sometimes the results don’t go your way. This year, our players came back with a chip on their shoulder. They’re playing with the attitude and energy we need to succeed. These seniors want to do something special, and I wouldn’t bet against them to make it happen.”
The road ahead for Mona Shores is packed with challenges, but the Sailors are more than ready to face them. Up next, they’ll take on Midland (3-4-1) at home on Friday at 7 p.m. before squaring off against South Lyon Unified (7-7) on Saturday at 7 p.m. Both matchups promise to test the Sailors’ grit and determination as they continue their quest for a standout season.
The energy and excitement surrounding this team are palpable. With leaders like the Tilden twins and Habetler driving the offensive charge, and a coach who believes in their potential, Mona Shores is proving they have what it takes to compete at a high level. Their thrilling comeback against Kenowa Hills is just one chapter in what could be a season to remember.
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