RHS 7-5 in GNC

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Freddy Wisner recorded a hat trick for the Rhinelander High School varsity boys hockey team Saturday when the Hodags won their Great Northern Conference home game over Waupaca, 4-3.

Wisner gave RHS a 1-0 lead 9:49 after the opening faceoff when he scored an even-strength goal assisted by Conor Pequet and Brandon Kolasa. The Comets then were able tie the game before the first period expired on an unassisted power-play goal by Jack Erspamer.

Waupaca took the lead 3:46 into the second period when Cody Rasmussen scored assisted by Jack Menzies. The Hodags made it a 2-2 game with just over 10 minutes left in the period when Harlan Wojtusik scored with an assist by Kolasa.

The Comets regained the lead 29 seconds into the final period when Menzies scored assisted by Brady Johnson. Wisner tied the game at the 5:30 mark with an assist from Cole Spaulding. RHS was on the power player when Wisner scored the game-winner assisted by Bridger Flory with 8:37 to play.

Shots on goal favored RHS, 33-26, with Seth Stafford making 23 saves to record the win in net. Brett Berens stopped 29 shots in a losing effort in goal for Waupaca.

The Hodags improved their season record to 7-5 in the GNC and 13-8 overall going into Tuesday’s non-conference game at Marshfield.

Hodags 4, Comets 3

Comets        1              1              1 – 3

Hodags        1              1              2 – 4