The Bluejay hockey team hung within a 1-0 tally of SPASH for nearly half of last Thursday’s home game.
But the Panthers put the bite on the Bluejays starting at the 8:17 mark of the second period, running it to 3-0 by the end of the frame and tacking on three more in the third for a 6-0 win. A six-second burst of two goals by Jeff Wychesit put the game out of reach.
“We finally have our full roster willing and able,” MHS coach Chris Marlowe said. “With (Adam Kohnhorst and Lucas Kleinschmidt) back, our lines are getting closer to where we need them to be. It was the first time all season I felt comfortable using three lines. It will take some time to jell the way I think we can.”
All the goals were even-handed except for the finale. Point scored with 4:07 gone in the first, 8:17 and 14:06 of the second and 2:12, 2:18 and 12:12 of the third.
The Jays allowed 43 shots on goal, while putting eight of their own on net.
“Against Point, we did allow fewer shots on our net,” Marlowe said. “We are getting better on the defensive side of our one-on-one battles. We are beginning to realize that winning the offensive side of these battles is going to take a bit more grit and determination. We are not generating nearly enough shots on our opponent’s net.
“We still believe and refuse to quit. Our character is exceptional.”
Saves-MHS-Lucas Mikulasik 11-13-13-37. SPASH-Jake Krutza 4-0-4-8.
Merrill is 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the Valley.