WILLMAR -- Senior goalie Josh Gesch made an impressive showing in his varsity debut, but his Cardinal teammates shot blanks all night at the Sartell goalie resulting in a 1-0 loss Tuesday night.
Willmar, which scored nine goals a week earlier against outmanned Morris/Benson Area, couldn't dent the armor of Sabres goalkeeper Mike Brown.
It was the Central Lakes Conference opener for both teams.
The Cardinals (0-1, 1-1), who defeated Morris/Benson Area 9-2 in their opener, had ample chances, but the shooters were unable to hit the openings. Brown rejected all 25 Willmar shots on net.
Gesch, who played on the junior varsity last season, made 22 saves.
ADVERTISEMENT
Willmar had six good chances in the third period when they outshot the Sabres 9-4 but was unable to finish.
The only goal came in the second period at the 7:15 mark. Andy Worzala dug the puck out of the corner to the left of Gesch.
He hustled a pass to Matt Nahan, breaking to the crease from the right wing. He one-timed it pass Gesch from point-blank range.
Sartell, which has 10 sophomores on its roster, finished 6-13 in the CLC last year.
Willmar plays at Alexandria on Thursday.
Sartell 1, Willmar 0
Sartell (1-0, 1-1) 0 1 0 -- 0
Willmar (0-1, 1-1) 0 0 0 -- 0
ADVERTISEMENT
FIRST PERIOD - no scoring
SECOND PERIOD - Sar: Matt Nahan (Andy Worzala) 7:15
THIRD PERIOD - no scoring
GOALIE SAVES - Sar: Mike Brown 8-8-9-25 ... Willmar: Josh Gesch 8-10-4-22
