Park boys hockey: Wolfpack beats Tartan to start 1-0

Hard work paid off for the 'Pack in their season opener against Tartan.

A 4-1 victory over the Titans on Monday, Nov. 28 at Cottage Grove Ice Arena established a 1-0 start for Park’s 2011-12 season.

“Any time you win, it’s a good game,” said head coach Jay Moser, who said he was pleased by Park’s effort.

Chaotic play from both teams at the game’s start led to incomplete passes and unnecessary turnovers, but Park was soon able to come together as a cohesive team. After Park managed to kill their first penalty, a series of solid plays and scoring opportunities culminated in the game’s first goal by Park’s Cody Newton. Park finished the first period 1-0.

Power plays and penalty kills for both teams consumed the first part of the second period, allowing Tartan to score in the last seconds of 4-on-4 play, tightening the score to 1-1. Park quickly answered with a well-executed breakaway leading to what would turn out to be the game-winning goal by Joey Pierre.

Steady goaltending and stout defensive play by the Wolfpack prevented Tartan from scoring any further goals. Park concluded the second period with increased speed and more completed passes.

Play slowed down in the third period as both teams exhausted their stamina, but Park maintained the lead and scored another two goals in the third period for a final score of 4-1.

Admirable effort from veteran players Spencer Dietrich, Pierre and Cody Newton set the tone for the young team, and Park’s assertive win forecasts a positive season, if they continue to work hard while establishing their identity.

“We still need to work on communication . . . and stamina,” Moser said.

After witnessing the dedicated play at Monday’s game, Moser believes his team is headed in the right direction.

While their strong performance on Monday evening was more than enough to defeat Tartan, the team will have to do more in order to compete against a stronger and faster Stillwater in the Wolfpack’s first Suburban East Conference game of the winter on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Tags: sports, hockey, park, wolfpack, prep, updates