Owatonna jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the consolation final of the Duluth Heritage boys' hockey tournament Friday. Host team Denfeld scored the next six goals and won the game 6-3. The Huskies went 1-2 in the event.

The Huskies executed on special teams early with a quick power play goal by Tyler Wencl 3:12 into the first period and just eight seconds into the man-advantage. Nate Smith and Jacob Stoykovich assisted. Smith added a short-handed goal at 6:21 of the period. He pressured a player at the Denfeld blue line, made the steal and skated in on the breakaway.

Denfeld scored twice later in the first period to tie the game at 2-2 at intermission. The Hunters dominated the second period, scoring three times and limiting Owatonna to just four shots on goal. Owatonna coach Josh Storm said the team didn't "move it's feet" in the period. Denfeld led 5-2 entering second intermission.

Owatonna had to kill off two penalties early in the third, and still managed to generate 13 shots on net but didn't score again until the closing minute. Denfeld had pushed their lead to 6-2 by then. The Huskies' goal came from Wencl with the assist to Smith.

Storm said Wencl and Smith played inspired games and is looking for others to rise to their level. Storm also complimented goalie Ryan Johnson, especially for his game on Thursday, which resulted in a 2-1 win over Mankato West.

OHS (5-5) returns to Big Nine play Tuesday, January 2 against Rochester JM at 7PM. Thursday the Huskies play at Northfield on Kat Kounty 105FM.

 

 

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