By Steve Morris

The sophomore class stepped up in a big way for the Vikings in their game against Minneapolis East Dec. 1.

Head coach Darrell was forced to play some underclassmen because one of his defenseman was hurt and the other had to sit out a game.

The sophomore trio of Jarrett Sachs, Lane Noyes and Gavin Runberg helped fight off a Minneapolis East attack. In the end, it wasn't enough as the boys fell by a score of 1-5. Regardless of the outcome, Schulte was happy with their play.

Minneapolis East found the back of the net two times in the second and third periods to put the game away for the Vikings.

"The Vikings played a better game overall for their second game, with a tremendous effort from three newcomers ... their play was a complete effort from start to finish that was filled with numerous scoring chances and excellent two-way play," Schulte said.

After allowing for goals, the Vikings stopped the bleeding by scoring a goal of their own.

Scoring the first game of the season for the Vikings was senior captain Jack Williams who was assisted on the play by sophomore defenseman David Henderson.

Scott Dennis played between the pipes for the Viking and stopped 32 of 37 shots on goal. The Minneapolis East goalie blocked 18 of 19 shots.

Mora

In the team's first game of the season, the Vikings stumbled some losing 0-7 on Nov. 27 .

Not helping matters for the team was that fact junior defenseman Brian Dahlstrom suffered a hand injury at the end of the first period and did not return to the game. Added to that, senior defenseman Tyler Sowka had a penalty that came with a game disqualification early the second period.

Mora took full advantage of these incidents and raced to a 7-0 win.

Dennis, seeing his first varsity minutes in net, stopped 32 of 39 shots.

"We lost two of our most experienced defenders early and their absence deflated the team. Mora took it to us and scored three and four goals during the next two periods," Schulte said.