MLA Falls In Semi-Finals

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Feb 24

Kerry Rodd-NSO

The Rogers Royals did what very few hockey teams have done this season and that is to shut down the high-flying offense of the Moose Lake Area Rebels during a 10-1 Section 5A boys semi-final game on Thursday night.

A four-goal outburst by the Royals in the first period had the Rebels on their heels and it eventually started a parade to the penalty box for MLA which took 26 minutes in penalty time compared to just two minutes for Rogers.

Andrew Smith scored just 1:41 into the first period for Rogers and before the period ended Neal Smith, Chad Miller and Phillip Ballard had jumped on the scoring band wagon for the Royals as they garnered a 4-0 lead.

Neal Smith added another goal at 3:51 of the second period as Rogers built a 5-0 lead and following that goal a series of penalties to the Rebels added to their frustration. Jake Cisar was called for a minor hooking penalty at 4:31 and it took Rogers just 17 seconds to score when Zack Hnath found the back of the net for a 6-0 Royals lead. Zach Cisar gave the Rebels hope with a goal that was assisted by Tyler Cisar at the 12:57, but that glimmer was dashed within six seconds off the face off as Andrew Smith rammed home a goal for the Royals to push the score to 7-1 at 13:03.

Chad Miller gave Rogers an 8-1 lead at 4:15 of the third period and then things turned even more difficult for MLA as they took a slew of penalties. In all the Rebels took 20-minutes in penalty time in the final period.

Matt Weber made the Rebels pay in the man-short situation at 7:58 by scoring a 5-on-3 goal and Nick Polsfuss added the final goal of the game for the Royals at 11:43.

Rogers put 38 shots on Austin Lanoue who finished with 28 saves, while Keaton Mumm finished with 15

saves on 16 shots for the Royals.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com