UTICA, Mich. — The Utica-Ford Unified high school hockey team is taking giant steps this year.

They are off to a flawless 4-0 start. They currently lead the Macomb Area Conference and hold first place in the White Division standings.

To give some history, Henry Ford II High School unified its hockey program with Utica High School in 2018. From that point, Utica-Ford head coach Bob Clouston set out to create a winning culture.

Current assistant coach Ric Essad is Utica-Ford point man on the ice. Coach Essad gave more insight into exactly what is different now.

“This season we have a full bench, all of our players are varsity-level players,” Essad expressed. “We have great goaltending, great leadership on and off the ice.”

Beyond that, Essad explained a new aspect of the team.

“I think this year we’re starting to turn the corner where we’re starting to get travel players to come over and play for Utica-Ford,” he said. “In the past, we would get one or two players. Now the players out there, they’re starting to see we’re a program that they want to be part of.”

Utica-Ford opened the winter calendar with consecutive 2-1 wins over Anchor Bay. The team then shifted into high gear as they beat St. Clair Shores Unified 6-2 and Grosse Point North 5-1.

A closer look at the club shows junior forward Anthony Alfonsi is on a tear lately. Alfonsi erupted with four goals in the last two games. And he picked up an assist earlier this fall.

Senior forward Nick Allen is another key player. Allen has recorded one goal and five assists over the campaign. Three of those setup passes were registered last weekend.

Third year forward Austin Fertik is a major part of their success as well. Fertik has posted two goals and two assists to help Utica-Ford stay undefeated.

Fourth year forward Brandon Mayer plays a big role with three goals and one assist. It’s important to note that senior Trevor Touchton with four assists and classmate Connor DiPonio have also proven to be a factor.

On the defensive side, seniors Michael Priebe and Nick Larose are chipping in. Juniors Cameron Krim and Sam Valenti have made significant plays as well.

The last line of defense has been crucial as goalies Zack Robert and Alex Kopietz allowed only five goals in four games through November.

Essad underscored that no matter what, they must remain focused.

“[Our goal] is to take it game by game and not look too far ahead into the future,” Essad said. “Keep it game by game, 100% maximum effort, every game. And not to underestimate any opponents along the way and just play great hockey no matter who it is, whether they are in our division or non-divisional games. Hopefully at the end, everything falls into place.”

Utica-Ford is back in action Thursday, Dec. 2 at Port Huron.

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