FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP – In a few days, the players on the Mona Shores hockey team will cheer up a bit and realize what a great season they had.

Until then, however, they will probably feel like they just experienced a recurring nightmare.

Last year Mona Shores led powerful Byron Center 2-1 in the Division 2 regional finals, then gave up two late goals and watched their season slip away in a painful 3-2 loss.

On Wednesday the Sailors had a chance for redemption, facing the Bulldogs again in the regional finals, and did just about everything necessary to gain their revenge.

Mona Shores’ Jack Reelman celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period. Photo/Tonya Pardon

They overcame a bad first period and a two-goal deficit, roared back to take a 3-2 lead, and were agonizingly close to clinching the win and moving on to the state quarterfinals.

But then fate struck again for the second straight year, and once again not in the Sailors’ favor.

Byron Center’s Brady Brett scored the tying goal with just 1:55 left in regulation, sending the game to overtime.

The first intense OT period was scoreless, with each team roaring up and down the ice and getting great chances, only to be stopped by the opposing goalie.

The second OT didn’t go nearly as long.  Byron Center’s Bryce Parmoda scored just 2:01 into the period, handing Mona Shores a stunning 4-3 loss and another gut-punch ending to their season at Lakeshore Sports Centre.

Mona Shores’ Diego Pena clears the puck out of his team’s zone while goalie Keldon Boone protects the net. Photo/Tonya Pardon

The Bulldogs threw their equipment all over the ice and mobbed each other near the Mona Shores goal. Several Sailors sat dejectedly on the ice for long minutes after the game, trying to mentally process how a regional title slipped away once again.

Mona Shores Coach Chris Benedict stood on the ice near the doorway to the rink, hugging each player as they skated off, and waiting patiently for those who remained on the rink, trying to gather their composure.

The loss was obviously painful for Benedict, as well, but he did what good coaches do and put the game in logical perspective.

“It was exactly what we thought it would be, a low-scoring game with two teams battling hard for a regional championship,” said Benedict, whose team finished the season with a 22-3 record and a conference championship. ‘It’s tough, but they are a hell of a team and we knew they would be ready.”

The coach gave credit to the biggest hero of the game, Byron Center goalie Carson MacKenzie, who made one amazing save after another that allowed his team to rally and win.

Jack Reelman (9) battles for the puck near the Byron Center net. Photo/Tonya Pardon

Mona Shores outshot Byron Center 41-24, but couldn’t get more than three shots past the Bulldog netminder

“Carson MacKenzie did a hell of a job in net,” Benedict said. “If it wasn’t for him, this would be a celebration. Hats off to him. I can’t say enough about him.”

The first period was rough for the Sailors, who outshot the Bulldogs 14-5 but found themselves trailing 2-0 at the first break. Byron Center’s goals came from Jackson Froysland at 12:27 of the first, and Luke Padding and the 16:09 mark.

“We came out with energy in the first period, but I think we missed some assignments,” Coach Benedict said. “Their first goal we would like to have back, and their second goal hit a stick and went over our goalie’s shoulder.”

The Sailors came roaring back in the second period, collecting goals from Jack Reelman and Jake Nanna, leaving the score tied 2-2 headed into the third.

Mona Shores’ Jake Nanna handles the puck behind the goal while being pursued by a Byron Center player. Photo/Tonua Pardon

Mona Shores grabbed a 3-2 lead at 4:08 of the third period when Nico Taylor found the net, and the Sailors looked like they might skate off with a win. But they didn’t quite make it all the way to the buzzer, and Byron Center’s Brett popped in a rebound with only 1:55 left to tie the game again.

Both teams had great chances to score in the first overtime but came up just short. Mona Shores had a 5-4 edge in shots in goal in the extra session.

Neither team had a shot on goal in the second overtime before Parmoda scored for Byron Center at the 2:01 mark, ending the game in stunning fashion.

Benedict had high praise for Mona Shores goalie Keldon Boone, who was playing in place of injured starter Carter Dethloff.

Boone made a lot of high-pressure saves, particularly in the second and third periods and the first OT, giving his teammates a chance to get the win.

“Calvin did a hell of a job,” the coach said. “He did exactly what we asked him to do to keep us in it. Calvin deserved to win that game. I’m just so proud of him, so proud of all of our guys. They really battled. I wish it would have been a different outcome, but that’s why we play the games.”