The Rhinelander High School boys hockey team honored three seniors on Thursday night, but the evening ended in disappointment as the Hodags fell 5-2 to to Chequamegon at home. Seniors Dylan Shefveland, Logan Leonard, and Ryan Carey were recognized in a ceremony between the first and second periods, celebrating their contributions to the program throughout their high school careers.
The game started promisingly for the Hodags, with Drake Nelson finding the back of the net unassisted in the first period. The teams headed to the locker room tied 1-1 after the opening frame. Chequamegon struck first in the second period to take a 2-1 lead, but Rhinelander responded when Carson Plehn evened the score at 2-2 with help from Shefveland and Nelson. However, Chequemegon regained the lead before the period ended, taking a 3-2 advantage into the final period.
The third period proved difficult for the Hodags. Chequamegon extended their lead to 4-2 just over four minutes into the period with their second short-handed goal of the night, capitalizing on Rhinelander’s power play opportunities.
With time running out, Rhinelander pulled goalie Connor McGee with just over two minutes remaining, hoping the extra attacker would spark a comeback. Instead, Chequamegon sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 17.5 seconds left on the clock, making the final score 5-2.
The loss leaves the Hodags with just one win on the season as they prepare for the postseason.
Rhinelander will face their toughest challenge yet next Thursday when they travel to Eagle River to take on the number one-seeded Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.
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