CEC Scores Early – Hangs On Late For Victory

Wes Vork-NSO

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Dec 28

Wes Vork-NSO

DULUTH – Ben Michaud sent the message early that the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team was ready to play in the Heritage Classic Holiday Hockey Tournament in Duluth. Michaud slammed home a goal just 18 seconds into the Jacks first round game against Park of Cottage Grove. CEC went on to a 4-2 win.

Jack McFarlane and Justin Hammann added assists to the Michaud goal and the Jacks were off and flying early in a three-goal first period. At 2:37 of the first it was McFarlane scoring an unassisted tally and then at 7:48 McFarlane scored another unassisted goal as CEC built a 3-0 first period lead.

Park bounced back in the second period with a Luke Vogelgesang goal at 6:41 to make it 3-1 and then Vogelgesang scored again in the third period to cut the gap to 3-2. After the second goal by Vogelgesang the Jacks called a time out to steady the ship and played tough defense for the remainder of the period.

Park pulled their goalie in the final minute of play. However, a puck played with a high stick sent the faceoff back to the Park end of the ice. When Park was able to pull their goalie a second time, McFarlane responded with an empty netter with just 3.5 seconds remaining in regulation to complete his hat trick and salt the game away.

John Scheuer made 24 saves on 26 shots in goal for the Jacks, while Park of Cottage Grove goalie, Jeremy Larson, finished with 19 saves.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com