Hawks Rally To Defeat Rogers

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Dec 17. 2011

Kerry Rodd-NSO

In a rematch of last year’s Section 7A championship boys hockey game, the Hermantown Hawks again defeated Rogers this time by a score of 2-1. Last season the Hawks won 5-0, but things were a bit more difficult this time as Hermantown had to rally from behind for the victory.

After a scoreless first period Rogers gained a 1-0 lead with just one second remaining in the second period when Zach Hnath pumped home a power play marker with assists to Andrew Smith and Ned Smith. After two periods Rogers led on the score board and shots on goal were 15-13 in favor of Hermantown.

The Hawks came out literally flying in the final period and ended up outshooting Rogers 26-3 in the period. Both goals were scored by Jared Thomas and the goals were only a minute and ten seconds apart. Thomas’ first goal came at 9:20 with Andrew Mattson and Jared Kolquist assisting. The game winning goal by Thomas came at 10:30 from Owen Stauber and Jake Zeleznikar.

For the game Matt Mensinger made 15 saves on 16 shots for Hermantown, while Rogers goalie Robbie Vukelich finished with 39 saves on 41 shots.

With the win the Hawks improve to 5-0 on the season. The next opponent for the Hawks is Virginia on Tuesday night.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com