By Jeremy Ratliff
reporter
Bluejay varsity hockey took a couple on the chin last week in falling to Wisconsin Rapids on Thursday and Stevens Point on Tuesday.
Thursday’s home dance with the Red Raiders started off on an exhilarating note as Austin Burgener took off with the puck and slapped one in just 35 seconds into the contest. Unfortunately that would be the only hoorah for Merrill as the Raiders rebounded with five unanswered goals for the 5-1 win.
“We started out strong,” comments coach Bill Hauswirth. “We put up the first goal, but missed some opportunities. Rapids came back and played well. They are a good hockey club. Again our kids showed great character, stuck together and played hard the whole game.”
RAP: 2 2 2-6
MRL: 1 0 0-1
Saves: Bryce Broeking (43, 9-18-16, 6G)
No Match for the Panthers
Things only got worse for the Jays on Tuesday night when they traveled to Stevens Point, and were subjected to a 15-0 mandhandling at the hands of the Panthers.
“They are a good team,” Hauswirth adds.
“I was proud of the way our kids kept their composure considering the situation.”
Tuesday
MER: 0 0 0-0
SPT: 7 3 5-15
Saves: Broeking (46, 18-12-16, 15G)