December 7, 2020 at 8:09 a.m.
Northland Pines uses short-handed goals, big second period to skate by Northern Edge
Northland Pines uses short-handed goals, big second period to skate by Northern Edge
By by Brett LaBore-
"Pines... they are pretty strong and pretty fast and physical," coach Tom Roeser said. "They play a physical game."
Two quick goals gave the Eagles an advantage in the first period. Kasia Olszewska scored a short-handed goal on an Edge power play after an initial save by Ellie Stank. Emma Sima and Mallory Schmidt were credited with the assist. The game was tied at 1-1.
Just 10 seconds later, the Eagles scored another short-handed goal, this time on a quick shot by Halle Kerner, assisted by Grace Wittkopf and Madison Stebbeds. It was 2-1 Eagles.
Those two short-handed goals didn't change the game, according to Roeser.
"I think the way they moved the puck changed the game," he said. "I think the way they carried the puck changed the game, cause we weren't attacking the body as well as needed."
The Eagles tacked on four unanswered goals in the second. Stebbeds took a long shot that found its way into the net for a goal one minute into the period. Then, a one-on-one chance with Stank turned into another scoring opportunity, this time for Allie Kieffer with the assist to Julia Nesbitt.
Kerner scored her second goal of the game on a slapshot that found its way through traffic. The assist went to Wittkopf and Sima. The Eagles led 5-1.
"They're good. They're stronger than us, faster than us and that's what we have to get," Roeser said.
Just before the end of the third period, there was a loose puck in front of the goal that Olszewska cleaned up for her second goal of the game with assists to Megan Ritzer and Kieffer.
The Eagles scored their seventh straight goal from Hannah Castillo in the third period. Stank made a save on a shot attempt and Castillo followed up with a goal. The assist went to Sima once again.
The Edge started the game with a goal. They also finished the game with a goal.
Down near the net, Kate Vizanko took a shot that squeaked by Pines' Ashlynn Boxrucker for the first goal of the game. Kristina Kunelius and Isabelle Boyer were credited with the assist to the goal that came 1:22 into the game.
"It was nice getting a goal right away, but we still got outshot pretty good," Roeser said.
"Obviously, I'm glad when we pick up a goal but we powered through the rest of that period pretty good," Roeser added.
Wyndi Saari skated down to Pines' net, took a shot and scored unassisted with under four minutes left in the game.
"Overall, the third period it was a 1-1 third period. I understand he was mixing in some skaters but we did too," Roeser said. "So we ran three lines and yeah it was nice play. And that's how Wyndi plays. She got a little angry and wanted to do something and she went and did it. I was proud of her."
Stank stood tough in the net, deflecting pucks and saving shots on goal throughout the night. On 43 shots on goal, she saved 36 of them for a percentage of .837.
"I can't say enough about (Ellie). It's her third week in the pads. She hasn't played that much, she's got a little knee injury right now," Roeser said. "But she still comes out, works hard, does what she can. I'm really proud of her and the girls love playing in front of her."
The Edge traveled to Medford for a road game Monday night in a game that concluded after deadline. The Edge hosts the Baraboo-based Badger Thunder co-op Saturday night at the Rhinelander Ice Arena.
Brett LaBore may be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].
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