Early Deficits Cost Huskies Hockey Teams
The Owatonna High School boys hockey team got off to a slow start in their season opener at Apple Valley, falling 4-1 to the Eagles. Meanwhile, the OHS girls dropped a 3-0 decision to section rival Dodge County, ending a season-opening, four-game winning streak.
The Owatonna boys fell behind 3-0 in the first period against the Eagles (2-1-1), who were playing their fourth game of the season. The Huskies were out shot 10-1 in the first frame. OHS came out with an increased intensity in the second period and created several early scoring chances.
OHS got on the board at 4:38. Zach Kubicek stole the puck around the Apple Valley blue line and fed it forward to Dom Valento who assisted on the goal by Casey Johnson. Those three combined for 40 goals last season. The Eagles led 3-1 after two periods.
Owatonna had a couple of power play chances in the third period, even a 5-on-3 opportunity when a boarding call went against Apple Valley. Aaron Bangs was slammed into the wall with his head down. He got back to his feet on his own after a minute lying on the ice.
As the 5-on-3 chance ended, Nate Messerich jumped out of the penalty box, grabbed a loose puck, and zipped down the ice for a short-handed goal to put the game out of reach.
The Huskies (0-1) play at South St. Paul Tuesday, December 3 at 7 pm with coverage on AM 1390 KRFO. Owatonna graduated nine seniors off of last winter's Big Nine runner-up team. Eight sophomores made their varsity debut Saturday.
On the girls side, Dodge County continued their recent success over Owatonna. The Wildcats scored less than five minutes into the first period and shut out the Huskies for the third time over the last two seasons.
Malia Schubert scored at 4:40 of the opening frame on the power play on Dudley Otto Rink at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. Dodge County out shot Owatonna 10-4 in the first period and 29-21 for the game.
Kennedy Kraus scored early in the second period and added another into an empty net late in the third for the 3-0 win.
Owatonna faces another key section opponent Thursday when Lakeville South comes to Owatonna. The Cougars scored a 5-0 win over Dodge County earlier this season.