Hockey: Watertown teams nearly notch sweep during "Stick It to Cancer 2022" event

The Watertown Lakers’ varsity teams nearly came up with a sweep over the Rushmore Thunder squads on Saturday during South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association games that were part of the Watertown Hockey Association’s “Stick It To Cancer 2022” event in the Maas Ice Arena.

The Laker girls opened the day with a 3-1 win over Rushmore.

In the nightcap, the league-leading Rushmore Thunder needed three third-period goals to rally for a 5-4 win over Watertown in the boys’ game. The Thunder (14-0) defeated Watertown 8-1 on Friday night.

Varsity Girls

Watertown improved to 8-9 overall and 6-7 in the SDAHA with goals from Jayda Kranz, Meg Sunde and Jaclyn Lloyd. Kranz, Lloyd and Rachel Skott each had assists and goalie Angelyn Birnell stopped 11 saves.

The Lakers held a 28-12 advantage in shots over the Thunder (3-10), who scored on a goal from Kailyn Cover.

Watertown and Rushmore are scheduled to play again Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Maas Ice Arena.

Varsity Boys

The Lakers turned things around early on Saturday and led 3-1 after one period and 4-2 after two before the Thunder rallied.

Alexander Dietrich had two goals and an assist for Rushmore, now 14-0 in league play.

Rushmore did hold a 74-15 advantage in shots, but Watertown goalie Owen McBride notched 70 saves.

Thomas Foley had two goals and Austin McBride and Dakota Woertink each one for the Lakers, now 9-10 overall and 4-10 in the SDAHA. Mason Witt and Austin Green each recorded two assists and Austin McBride one.

On Friday, Kaleb Merchen recorded three goals and an assist, Dawson Wirth two goals and three assists and Hunter Walla three assists for the Thunder .

Rushmore outshot the Lakers 45-16 and got 15 saves from goalie Michael Hobbe.

Green scored the only goal for Watertown. Thomas Foley assisted on the tally and Owen McBride recorded 37 saves.

The Lakers boys are scheduled to visit Oahe at 7 p.m. on Saturday.