TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City Central's first win of the season will have to wait at least another day.
The young Trojans team that features more sophomores (six) than seniors (four) dropped its season opener 3-2 to Warren De La Salle in the Traverse City West Holiday Tournament.
The Trojans struck first, as junior defenseman Luke Stricker found the net with help from senior Shane Darrow and sophomore Jared VanWormer 3:51 into the game.
De La Salle (2-0) answered with a Steve Vanderberghe goal at 11:02 of the first period, and Chris Clements made it 2-1 on a power-play marker 51 seconds into the second. David Sitarski added an even-strength goal 12:30 into the third period.
Derek Gardiner scored with 1:28 left in the game to draw the Trojans within a goal. Chris Archambo and Travis Clary drew assists.
"We had a lot of jump and forechecked very well early on and then for some reason we abandoned that," Central coach Chris Givens said. "We couldn't get back to that level in the second and third period."
Warren's John Kleinhaus made 21 saves, while Central's Hunter Kelly made 13 stops.
De La Salle won the tournament title last year, beating both Central and West.
The Trojans will play Dearborn Unified in today's tournament consolation game at 2 p.m. in Howe Arena.
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