A Homecoming for a State Champion
Andrew Sawyer, a former Trenton ice‑hockey star who lifted the state championship twelve years ago, has been appointed varsity head coach of the program he once helped revive. His deep roots in the community and a coaching résumé that spans more than a decade make his return a natural progression for a team eager to reclaim its former prominence.
The transition was underscored by the team’s first exhibition match, where Trenton edged Riverview Gabriel Richard 5‑4. The victory was especially poignant because Sawyer had previously guided the opposing side as an assistant, adding a layer of personal stakes to the contest. His brother Griffin, also a seasoned coach, will serve alongside him, promising a fresh dynamic on the bench.
Adding to the buzz, Rick DeSana, longtime head coach of Riverview Gabriel Richard, announced his acceptance of a new position at the University of Michigan‑Dearborn. DeSana, who has steered the program since 2006, expressed mutual respect for Sawyer’s abilities, hinting at a collaborative future between the two schools. The move also places DeSana within the broader network of the university’s athletic department, where he will continue to shape developing talent.
Sawyer’s vision centers on blending disciplined play with the community spirit that defined his own high‑school triumphs. With Griffin’s complementary experience and DeSana’s transition still reverberating, the varsity squad is poised to embark on a season that could restore the excitement of past championships.