By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Tuesday the Bluejacks hockey team traveled to Lakeland for their first-round playoff game against the T-Birds. The Bluejacks were able to strike first, but were not able to get another as they fell by a score of 5-1.
In the first period the Bluejacks got on the board early. James Pawlicki was the one to find the back of the net on an assist from Brennan Harsh just a few minutes into the game. It took only a couple minutes for the T-Birds to score a goal of their own to even up the game at one.
A few minutes into the second period after the Bluejacks get a tripping penalty, Lakeland was able to snag the lead with a power play goal. The T-Birds extended their lead with only a minute left in the second period as they went up by a score of 3-1.
About half way through the third period the T-Birds found the goal again to extend their lead to 4-1. It took Lakeland only a minute to score again, this time on a short handed goal to take the 5-1 lead.
Bluejacks goalie Caleb McCorkle had 31 shots sent his way and was able to stop 26 of them. The Bluejacks put 23 shots on goal throughout the game, with nine coming in the first period, eight in the second and six in the third.
“We got the first one, but were unable to get more than one,” comments Bluejacks coach Bill Hauswirth. “We missed some opportunities to go up by more early, and they (Lakeland) were able to take advantage of their chances.”
The Bluejacks end their season with a record of 5-18 with one of their five wins coming against the T-Birds.
“The kids played hard and I was proud of how we battled,” Coach Hauswirth said. “This was the seniors’ last game, it has been a lot of fun over the years working with them and I wish them the best in their futures.”