RHS 11-7 overall

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead less than 4 minutes into the game Friday night, the Rhinelander High School varsity boys hockey team needed overtime to defeat the Pacelli co-op, 6-5, in non-conference action at the Rhinelander Ice Arena.

The Hodags opened the game with even-strength goals from Freddy Wisner and Abe Laggis before Pacelli’s Richard Zupan scored midway through the first period.

RHS extended its lead back to two goals 7:29 into the second period when Wisner scored on the power play. Then the momentum swung in Pacelli’s favor with two second-period goals from Carter Snyder bookended around Seth Shulfer scoring as the Hodags found themselves trailing 4-3 going into the final 17 minutes of regulation.

Pacelli’s Daniel Mitch scored 2:36 into the third period, before RHS power-play goals from Cole Spaulding and Harlan Wojtusik sent the game into overtime tied at 5-5.

The Hodags’ put in the game-winner 2:42 into overtime when Bridger Flory tipped in a shot from Sam Tjugum.

“I was very proud of our comeback,” said RHS head coach MJ Laggis. “Great team effort at the end of the third period and into overtime.”

Seth Stafford stopped 22 of 27 shots he faced to record the win in goal for the Hodags.

RHS, which is now on a four-game winning streak, improved its season record to 11-7 overall and is also 5-4 in the Great Northern Conference going into Tuesday’s league game at Tomahawk.

Hodags 6, Pacelli 5 (OT)

Pacelli       1              3              1              0 – 5

Hodags     2              1              2              1 – 6