Sports digest

Hodag boys’ swimming gets forfeit to end GNC slate

The Rhinelander High School boys’ swim team’s GNC dual meet at Antigo was canceled Tuesday due to a lack of healthy swimmers for the Antigo squad. 

Rhinelander AD Brian Paulson told the River News that the dual, which was supposed to be a make-up of a Dec. 19 snow out, would go down as a forfeit victory for the Hodags. That forfeit win was reflected in the Great Northern Conference standings Wednesday morning.

That puts Rhinelander at 5-0 in the GNC and in sole possession of first place in the conference heading into the Great Northern Conference championships in Rhinelander, Feb. 7. That is Rhinelander’s next scheduled competition.

The Hodags will be looking for their seventh straight GNC title and were perfect in conference duals and double-duals this year.

Girls’ hockey: Pines co-op downs Houghton-Hancock, ends skid

The Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op scored three times in the second period on Monday as it snapped a seven-game losing streak and defeated Houghton-Hancock, Mich. 4-2 at the Eagle River Sports Arena. 

Lilly Beitler scored twice for the Eagles, who notched their first win since knocking off Viroqua Jan. 3. 

“It was a much-needed win,” Eagles coach Jeff Stebbeds said. “We have really been struggling to find the net offensively this entire season. We just recently changed a few lines around to try and generate more offense, and tonight they produced.”

After a scoreless opening period, Pines junior Bella Nowak needed only 47 seconds to get the Eagles on the board in the second period. Beitler, a sophomore from Pines, netted her first goal of the night less than four minutes later. 

Houghton-Hancock responded late in the second period on a Sophia Blake goal, but Pines sophomore Avery Renkes answered 37 seconds later as the Eagles took a 3-1 lead after two periods. 

Chloe Mikus scored short-handed to pull Houghton-Hancock back within a goal in early in the third period, but Beitler sealed it on a power play goal with one minute remaining.

The Eagles won despite getting outshot 33-24 on the night. Northland Pines freshman Lucy Nowak made 31 saves in the win. 

“This team is young, but we are building something very special here,” Stebbeds said. “They have learned a lot this season under our systems and will continue to improve.” 

The Eagles have six schools actively participating in their co-op, including Rhinelander. Senior defender Emalee Detienne and sophomore forward Reese Retallick started in Monday night’s game for the Eagles. 

Northland Pines (4-14-0) travels to Black River Falls on Friday before taking on the Fox Cities Stars next Monday night in the team’s lone home game at the Rhinelander Ice Arena.

SDR Community Education program to host cross country ski clinic

 The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, in partnership with Coasters Cycle Works, will be hosting a cross country ski clinic for the community from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15 at Rhinelander High School. 

Participants will learn the basics of cross country skiing. Participants may bring their own equipment. However, if you do not have your own skis, contact Mike Bellile at 715-224-3522 and provide your height, weight, and shoe-size, or stop by Coasters Cycle Works in Tomahawk to get fitted prior to Friday, Feb 14, and equipment will be provided for you. There is no charge for use of equipment. 

The class is open to all ages and Bellile will serve as the instructor. The cost is $10 per person.

Pre-registration is required by Feb. 13. Space is limited. To register, please visit the “Community” section of the School District of Rhinelander website: https://www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us/community/community-education-classes.cfm. Online registration is available with a credit or debit card. Paper registration is available by mail or drop off. For more information, contact Community Education Manager Mike Cheslock at 715-365-9745.