NB skates to within one in loss

The North Branch boys hockey squad played a hard-fought game and came within one goal of winning its first game against its former co-op school last Monday.
The Vikings faced off against St. Francis, the school that North Branch had co-oped with in boys hockey the last two seasons.
At the end of two periods, St. Francis held a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the final period, but North Branch fought back and scored three goals in the period.
Unfortunately, St. Francis picked up another goal in the period for the 4-3 win.
Junior center Marty Yackel scored the first goal of the game ñ and the season ñ for North Branch in the opening two minutes of the third period.
Teammate sophomore Tony Watters followed with another goal 20 seconds later to bring the Vikes to within 1, at 3-2.
ìWe were putting pressure on them with a power play, when they scored shorthanded to make it 4-2,î head coach Greg Lien said.
Levi Disrud scored his first goal of the season three minutes later to again bring North Branch within 1, at 4-3.
The Vikes pulled goalie Chris Fitch with 50 seconds remaining.
The team continued to pressure St. Francis, but was unable to score.
Both teams had 19 shots on goal in the game, while St. Francis led in penalties with 5 to North Branchís 3.
Lien was pleased with the strong performance of Fitch in the nets, returning to that position after a couple of seasons at other positions.
ìThe team played enthusiastically throughout the game,î Lien said.
ìI was pleased with their progress since our first game. As the season goes on, we should continue to improve.î
Next up for the Vikings is a game at St. Michael-Albertville Thursday, Dec. 19, in a 5:30 p.m. start.
It is the teamís last game of the year. The schedule resumes Jan. 3.

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