Boys hockey: Willmar skates past North Stars
SAUK CENTRE — After a pair of one-goal losses this week, Willmar enjoyed a some breathing room in a 6-4 win over Prairie Centre on Friday night at the Sauk Centre arena.
Cole Hagen, a junior wing, doubled his season point production with four assists.
“Cole had a nice game and we got a section win,” said coach Dan Tollefson. “We got a lot of good looks at the goal tonight and had production from all the lines.”
Willmar is now 6-5-1 and Prairie Centre 0-6-0 against 2A opponents.
This was the Cardinals last section opponent before seeding on Feb. 13.
The goal scoring was divided six ways:
Zech Streed, Sam Roberts, his second goal this season; TJ Mattison, Josh Tinklenberg, Preston Peterson and Joey Lee.
The last two came 7 seconds apart in the third period for a 6-2 lead.
The North Stars struck back with two goals of their own 30 seconds apart — four goals in 51 seconds.
Willmar’s posted edge in shooting was 41 to 21.
The Cards (12-10-1) are at St. Cloud Tech on Tuesday and at Sartell on Feb. 14 to conclude the season.
Willmar 6, Prairie C. 4
Willmar (12-10-1) 2 2 2 — 6
Prairie Centre (5-14-2) 1 1 2 — 4
FIRST PERIOD – Wil: Zech Streed (Cole Hagen) 9:09 … Wil: Sam Roberts 2:43 … PC: Zach Pierskalla (Cody Steward) 2:25
SECOND PERIOD – PC: Pierskalla (Steward) 16:52 … Wil: TJ Mattison (Hagen) 9:43 .. Wil: Josh Tinklenburg (Buzzy Tollefson, Hunter Mottinger) 8:08
THIRD PERIOD – Wil: Preston Peterson (Hagen) 4:18 ….. Wil: Joey Lee (Hagen, Mattison) 4:11 … PC: Preston Pung 3:56 … PC: Trent Berscheit (Pung) 3:27.
GOALIE SAVES – W: Joey Benson 17 … PC: Clay Deters 35
