First game a learning experience for young girls hockey team

MEDFORD GIRLS HOCKEY

The Black River Falls Co-op controlled the puck and put 35 shots on goal in the first two periods, 11 of which found the back of the net, in its 11-0 win over Medford in the Raiders’ Nov. 23 girls hockey season opener.

Sophomore Zowie Hunter had five of the goals for the home team, three of which came in the first 17 minutes when the Tigers broke the game open with six goals.

Hunter got the first one just 1:53 with an assist from Lexie Hagen, while Hagen got the second one at 2:54 off assists from Sierra Steele and Bridget Canfield.

It stayed 2-0 for just over four minutes. Hunter made it 3-0 at 7:15 with assists from Steele and Jordan Berg. Steele got her third assist of the period at 10:28 on a goal by Skylar Pierce.

Hunter and Steele scored goals 10 seconds apart at 13:42 and 13:52 to push the lead to six.

The advantage in shots was 20-2 after one period and went to 35-3 after two periods. Hunter and Leah Reetz scored at 1:48 and 3:03 and Hunter got her last goal at 4:42. That one came on a power play. Lexie Hagen and Avery Hagen lit the lamp at 11:04 and 12:04 to close the scoring. Steele picked up her fourth assist of the night on Hunter’s first goal of the period.

Black River Falls had an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal in the third period.

While the Raiders field a deeper roster this season, the game was the first at the varsity level for many team members and it was the first-ever start between the pipes for junior Alyssa Brandner, who finished with 32 saves.

The Raiders were unsuccessful in two power plays, while the Tigers were one for two. Medford put seven shots on goal, all of which were turned away by Isabel Blackdeer.

Medford will travel to Chippewa Falls tonight, Thursday, to face defending state champion Chippewa Falls-Menomonie at 6 p.m.