Jacks Beat Andover 2-1 To Move Into Semi-Finals Against Grand Rapids

Wes Vork-NSO

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Feb 22

Wes Vork-NSO

CLOQUET – Cloquet-Esko-Carlton did exactly what they needed to do in their semi-final win over Andover in boys hockey on Tuesday night. The Jacks limited the Huskies scoring opportunities, they stayed focused in their defensive end, and they made the most of their Grade A scoring chances to beat Andover 2-1.

After a scoreless first period the Jacks took advantage of a Huskies penalty for their first goal of the game. Andover’s Bjorn Kjelstad went off at 4:08 for a hooking penalty. At 5:06 Jack McFarlane snapped a wrister from the right circle that beat goalie Nate Stong for the first goal of the game. Assisting on McFarlane’s goal were Karson Kuhlman and Chaise Jokinen.

Later in the period the Jacks took a minor penalty for tripping at 9:21 and just 13 seconds later the Huskies tied things up on a goal by Brady Barthold with Brit Brothen and Kjelstad notching the assists.

Amazingly the Jacks played a stifling defense throughout the game, but in the second period did not allow a shot on goal by Andover until 8:37 remained in the period. Barthold’s goal came on only the second shot of the period and through the second period CEC held a 29-12 shot advantage.

Most of the patrons of the Cloquet Area Recreation Center had not returned from the concession stand when CEC scored the game winning goal just 12 seconds into the third period. The play started when the Jacks brought a bouncing puck into the zone, and after three or four swipes at the puck in the slot, it was rammed home by Kuhlman with Nolan Meyer and McFarlane assisting. The puck seemed to play ping-pong in the slot as it bounced between four different players before Kuhlman was finally able to finish the play.

The goal by Kuhlman appeared to wake up the Huskies who attacked the CEC net and Jacks goalie John Scheuer, but Scheuer and his defense slammed the door the rest of the game.

Not lost in the excitement of the win was the sobering thought that CEC may have lost yet another player due to injury for the season when Kaleb Kadelbach slammed hard into the end wall injuring an ankle.

“We’ve definitely been lacking bodies, which is a great opportunity for the younger kids,” mentioned CEC senior defender Chaise Jokinen. “We need that coming into the semi-finals. You never know when we are going to need someone because of an injury, like today.”

Although missing some time himself because of illness, Jokinen has been the one steadying force all season long for the Jacks blueliners. The opportunities for younger players has also meant less experienced players needing some on ice guidance at times, a role that the Senior has willingly taken on. “When someone gets hurt and a younger player steps in, you have to be there for them and help where you can. You have to be talking and letting them know what is going on.” Jokinen explained.

Next up for the Jacks will be the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks in the Section 7aa Semi-Finals on Saturday at 2:00pm at Amsoil Arena. CEC lost the opening game of the season to Grand Rapids by a score of 4-1, but in the re-match the Jacks took the Thunderhawks to the wire, losing 4-3 on the road in a game that was decided late in the third period.

CEC Head Coach Dave Esse talked about what it will take to win the most important of the three meetings against Grand Rapids, explaining to Northland Sports Online. “We have to stay out of the penalty box and play disciplined hockey. Staying out of the box is key.” “We also need to do the little things, face offs, chip the puck out of the zone, sticks down, angles, everything.” Esse further explained.

Kicking off the Saturday 7AA Semi-Finals will be Duluth East squaring off against Elk River in the undercard at 12:00pm. East advanced with an11-0 win over Cambridge-Isanti while Elk River topped Forest Lake by a 2-0 score.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com