STAR JOURNAL REPORT

After exchanging two goals apiece in the opening period Thursday night, the Rhinelander High School varsity boys hockey didn’t score afterwards and ended up losing its Great Northern Conference home game to Antigo, 6-2.

The Red Robins scored first less than 2 minutes into the game on an even-strength goal from Brennan Spencer. The Hodags tied the game at the 7:45 mark when Abe Laggis scored assisted by Nick Sandstrom. Antigo pulled back in front when CJ Levis scored at 10:41. RHS then made it a 2-2 game with 1:25 left in the opening period when Harlan Wojtusik scored assisted by Sam Tjugum.

At left, Hodags goalie Seth Stafford has his eyes on the puck just before striking it with his stick in Thursday’s home game against Antigo.

Three of the Red Robins’ final four goals came in the second period. Jack Shinners scored what turned out to be a game-winning, even-strength goal 2 minutes into the period before Levis and Garrett Held added power-play goals.

“The second period has been difficult on us as of late,” said Hodags head coach MJ Laggis. “One way or another we lose momentum at the break and we need to solve that quick.”

Antigo scored its final goal 1:17 in the third period when Levis completed a hat trick.

The Red Robins outshot RHS, 46-15, with Broden Bunnell recording the win and Seth Stafford picking up the loss in goal.

The loss dropped the Hodags’ season record to 4-3 in the GNC and 7-4 overall going into Saturday’s non-conference home game against Kingsford.

Antigo 6, Hodags 2

Antigo            2              3              1 – 6

Hodags          2              0              0 – 2