January 26, 2018 at 1:55 p.m.
Hodag hockey peppers Medford to win third straight
RHS outshoots Raiders 60-8 in 4-1 victory
Hodag hockey peppers Medford to win third straight
The Hodags got power play goals from Abe Laggis and Harlan Wojtusik 16 seconds apart midway through the period to extend a one-goal lead to three. That lead felt more like 10, considering how the period started and the few scoring chances Medford had. The Raiders finished with eight shots on goal and didn't have much going after an early first-period tally.
"We came out and we had a good second period for the first time in a long time," coach M.J. Laggis said. "We played a good second period. Even though we've won the last two (games), we haven't had good seconds. We scored a couple of power play goals on that (major) situation. That's a good thing. Those are two big positives we accomplished. And we finished the game."
Rhinelander seized control in the second period, outshooting the Raiders 29-2 in the frame, despite what could only be described as a rocky start. Starting goaltender Seth Stafford was delayed making his way from the Hodags' dressing room to the ice to start the period and the Hodags began the frame with first-year goalie Anthony Kowalski between the pipes. To make matters worse, Rhinelander took two penalties in the first 1:13 of the period to put itself at a two-man disadvantage.
Stafford returned to the ice moments later, the Hodags calmly killed off the 5-on-3 and cruised the rest of the way.
"On the bench we just started collecting ourselves, took a breath, sorted out what was not going right and worked it out," Laggis said. "We had a good kill there 5-on-3. Anthony started the period. Seth came back in and we did have a good kill and we got through it and got going again."
Alex Carstensen cashed in on a Hodag turnover in the defensive zone and beat Stafford top shelf 1:28 into the contest to give the Raiders an early 1-0 lead. It was all Rhinelander the rest of the way, however, and the Hodags drew level on the first career varsity goal by junior defenseman Alex Hedberg, whose screened shot from the blue line found its way past everyone at the 7:20 mark.
"We needed it in the worst way and he stepped up and delivered, a quick release and a good shot on net. It got through. It gave us a much-needed lift at that moment," coach Laggis said. "We're really happy about that for Alex. Here's a guy who's gotten more and more playing time as the season's gone on. He wants more playing time, everyone does, but he's gotten more and more (time) and he's gotten more and more reliable back there (on defense). That's a good thing and we're proud of him for getting the first one."
Conor Pequet scored what proved to be the game-winner at the 12:45 mark, poking home a rebound off a Matthias Schneider shot from the point that snuck between Medford goalie AJ Adelman's legs and sat on the goal line for a brief moment.
"It was really nice, hard working man's goal by Conor. He dug in there and got that goal," M.J. Laggis said.
The game turned midway through the second when Medford's Blaine Seidl was taken for a five-minute boarding penalty as result of a blind-side check behind his own net. Abe Laggis scored exactly three minutes into the five-minute advantage and Wojtusik popped another one moments later.
"It was nice to get a couple of power play opportunities and bury them - nice shot by Abe, nice shot by Harlan," M.J. Laggis said.
The Hodags were back in action Friday night against Pacelli at the Rhinelander Ice Arena. The game was originally scheduled for Monday in Stevens Point but was postponed due to snow. The teams settled on the makeup time and location late Wednesday afternoon, after the Thursday edition of the River News went to press.
Rhinelander travels to Tomahawk on Tuesday.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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