Chargers edge Chemics in SVL finale

Dow High's Zane Rastello scores twice in 3-2 victory over rival Midland High

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dow High senior Zane Rastello scored two goals, including a shorthanded tally, to lead the Chargers to a 3-2 victory over crosstown rival Midland High in the Saginaw Valley League hockey season finale on Wednesday. Dow finished second in the SVL at 5-1-1, while Midland ended up right behind them at 5-2.

Why it matters

The Chargers-Chemics rivalry is one of the biggest in Midland sports, and this game had major implications for the final SVL standings. Dow and Midland are the top two hockey programs in the league, so this matchup was highly anticipated by fans on both sides.

The details

Rastello opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal late in the first period, but Midland's Jake Brewer tied it on the power play shortly after. Rastello then scored again on the power play to give Dow a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. The second period was scoreless, with Midland goalie Andrew Partipilo making several key saves to keep it a one-goal game. Dow's Caden Nemeth extended the lead to 3-1 early in the third, but Midland's Henry Stone scored with 1:33 left to make it 3-2. The Chemics pulled their goalie in the final minute but couldn't find the equalizer.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Rastello scored the game's first goal with 6:18 left in the first period.
  • Brewer tied the game for Midland just 34 seconds after Rastello's opening goal.
  • Rastello scored his second goal on the power play late in the first period.
  • Nemeth scored Dow's third goal with 10:44 remaining in the third period.
  • Stone scored Midland's second goal with 1:33 left in the third period.

The players

Zane Rastello

A senior at Dow High School who scored two goals in the game, including a shorthanded tally in the first period.

Caden Nemeth

A Dow High player who scored the Chargers' third goal in the third period.

Andrew Partipilo

The goaltender for Midland High who made 33 saves in the losing effort.

Jake Brewer

A Midland High player who scored the Chemics' first goal to tie the game in the first period.

Henry Stone

The Midland High player who scored the Chemics' second goal late in the third period.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It definitely feels great to end the (SVL) season with two goals against Midland, our crosstown rivals. I really love to get two goals in this atmosphere.”

— Zane Rastello, Dow High senior (ourmidland.com)

“I expected more. I'm disappointed. I thought we played OK. We had good goaltending, and our defense played well, but I just expected more. We didn't have it.”

— Steve Witt, Midland High coach (ourmidland.com)

“Especially in that second period, we had a couple of power plays and really took it to him, but he stood tall on quite a few. He always shows up in these games.”

— Cody Keefer, Dow High coach (ourmidland.com)

What’s next

The Chargers (14-9-3 overall) will face Big Rapids in Bay City on Friday at 5:30 p.m., while the Chemics (11-12-1-2) will head to Grand Rapids Christian on the same day.

The takeaway

This hard-fought rivalry game between the top two hockey teams in the Saginaw Valley League showcased the intensity and competitiveness of the Chargers-Chemics matchup. Dow's ability to capitalize on its scoring chances, combined with strong goaltending, proved to be the difference in a close 3-2 victory that solidified the Chargers' second-place finish in the SVL standings.