By Steve Morris

North Branch's Alex Nelson's four goals was not enough to lift the Vikings boys hockey team past Moose Lake on Feb. 1 on the road.

Assistant coach Darrell Schulte called Nelson's four goals, "remarkable."

Versus Moose Lake, the 1-22 Vikings had reason to be optimistic. Their only win of the season came against Moose Lake on Dec. 5 by one goal, 4-3.

"Seeing an opponent for the third time breeds some familiarity and playing Moose Lake is no exception," Schulte said.

Down by one goal, the Vikings pulled junior goalie Nicole Bredahl and mounted an all-out attack. However, the Rebels fought off the explosion for the one goal win.

Moose Lake's goalie was 29 of 33 while Bredahl was 23 of 38. The Vikes were 0-3 on the power play while the Rebels were 2 of 6.

Chisago Wildcats

The Chisago Wildcats fired shots at will, outshooting North Branch 70-11 in conference game Jan. 27. The Wildcats converted four of six on their power plays en route to a 11-0 shut out.

Pine City

Against Pine City Jan 30, it was much of the same as the Vikings were shut out for their second consecutive game and fifth of the year by a score of 9-0. It was the third time this season the two teams have met.

North Branch was 0-2 on their power play opportunities while the Dragons were 4-2.

Spring Lake Park

In their last home game of the year, the Vikings confronted conference foe Spring Lake Park.

The Vikings kept the game competitive for half the game, down two goals halfway through the second period. Then, at the drop of a hat, the Panthers scored four goals at the end of the second period to dismiss any doubts the Vikings had of winning their final home game of the year.

Scoring goals for the Vikings were J.T Lindhom with assists from Nelson and Sowka. Nelson capped off scoring for the Vikings with a goal in the second period.

Spring Lake Park was 4-5 on their power plays while North Branch was 0-3.