Hockey brings home two losses

Despite suffering two losses, the North Branch boys hockey team is proving to be more competitive with every game this season.
The squad suffered identical 4-2 losses to Pine City last Tuesday and St. Michael Thursday.
Head Coach Greg Lien said the Pine City contest was the Vikings best game of the year. ìThe effort, the passing and the defense by the players shows that their hard work is paying off,î he said.
North Branch scored the lone goal of the first period, off the stick of Andy Kittleson, with an assist from Jake Lane.
Pine City put four goals in during the second period, but the Vikings held off 14 shots on goal in the period. The Vikes added goal #2 in the third period, as Blake Ferngren found the net with an assist from Chris Courtney.
The Vikings defense picked it up to give St. Michael-Albertville a test in the 4-2 loss. Andy Dahlstrom had his strongest showing of the season in nets, coming up with 14 saves. The defensive core of Tony Watters, Chris Fitch, Chase Coffel and Dylan and Fletcher Kerr-Johnson continue to improve and impress, Lien said.
Marty Yackel scored both goals for the Vikings, one coming unassisted at 2:22 into the second period, the next with about four minutes left in the third period, off an assist from Levi Disrud.
Trailing 3-2, North Branch pulled its goalie to add the extra skater and was able to pelt STMA with several quality shots on goal, but none made it pass. St. Michael sailed a clearing pass into the net with seconds remaining for the 4-2 win.
This week, the team was scheduled to take on Princeton Tuesday and Chisago Lakes Thursday.

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