Posted: 12/19/07
Scrappy hockey team veers off winning track
 North Branch sophomore forward Jarrett Sachs skates along the boards in a game against Rush City/Pine City Dec. 11. |
By Steve Morris
Heading into the game against Rush City/Pine City, the North Branch boys hockey team had a lot on the line.
For one, local bragging rights were up for grabs.
After three long and physical periods of hockey, the Dragons came out victorious with a 7-4 win.
The Vikings may have played their best game of the year. Prior to the game, the boys had only scored one goal. By the end of the second period, they had three goals on the board.
Vikings head coach Darrell Schulte noted the team's success, despite the loss.
"I was generally encouraged by our play. We scored four goals which was great," he said.
The Dragons gained momentum late in the second period when they scored on a power play to take the lead for good.
Junior Jake Lenards scored on a breakaway to get the Vikes on the board and end the first period in a 2-1 deficit.
Lenards was assisted by junior defender Anthony Zengerle.
The teams traded goals in the second period. Senior Jack Williams scored on a wrist shot from inside the left circle. Assisting on the goal was senior forward Tyler Huberty.
To knot the game at 3-3, junior forward Dalton Miska tipped a low shot by Zengerle up and past the Pine City goalie.
In the third period, Pine City put three more goals on the scoreboard but not before senior defenseman Tyler Sowka stuffed one home on the power play. Sowka was assisted by Zengerle and Miska.
"Zengerle and Miska had nice three and two point games respectively. Zengerle tied a school record with three assists in one game," Schulte said.
Sibley
On Dec. 15, the boys seemed to take a step backwards in a lopsided 13-0 loss. With the loss, the boys are now 0-5. Their next game is Dec. 27 against Winona.
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