sports

RLF BOY’S HOCKEY HANGS ON TO BEAT GREENWAY 4-3

February 4, 2023

The Red Lake Falls Eagles Boy’s Hockey team was able to score two goals in the third period and build up a lead in a 4-3 win over the Greenway Raiders on Saturday afternoon from Cardin Hunt Arena.

FIRST PERIOD –
For as much offensive firepower as the two teams have, things started out a little slow with the defenses playing well. That would change at the 5:08 mark when Blake Breiland would pick up a loose puck in front of the net on a rebound and pound it past the starting goaltender for the Raiders Ethan Ambuehl, giving the Eagles the early 1-0 lead. Gavin and Evan Girdler would each be given an assist on the goal. Over a minute later Greenway would tie the game on a very similar goal, with Jace Kammeier beating Eagles goaltender Pacey Struthers to make it a 1-1 game. Each team had chances to score here or there, but the best chance came for Red Lake Falls with under a minute remaining in the period. Gavin Girdler would glide in past the Raiders defender, creating a two-on-zero opportunity with Evan Girdler to his right and in the slot. Gavin would pass to Evan who fired a shot that Radiers goaltender Ethan Ambuehl would save, keeping the game at 1-1. That is where the score would stand heading into the second period. Shots on goal in the first period were in favor of Greenway 9-8, and neither team had a Power Play in the first seventeen minutes.

SECOND PERIOD –
The second period had stretches where each team would be in control. It seemed that the Eagles would get a few minutes where they would have chances to take the lead, then it was the Raiders turn for a few minutes. Both goaltenders were on their game, and the score remained 1-1 as we reached the midway point of the frame. Jackson Hoefer would be called for interference with 8:19 remaining in the frame, giving Greenway the first Power Play of the game. Red Lake Falls did an excellent job killing off the penalty and getting back to even strength. The only goal in the period came from Red Lake Falls. Blake Breiland would outlet a pass to Gavin Girdler who skate up the right side one-on-one and beat Ethan Ambuehl top left corner over his stick side, giving the Eagles the lead back at 2-1 with just 3:36 until the second intermission. That is where the score would stay heading into the final period with the Raiders in front on shots on goal at 18-15, but Red Lake Falls leading the game 2-1.

THIRD PERIOD –
The third period had plenty of scoring and it started just a minute into the frame. Greenway would tie the game at 2-2 on a shot from the point from Cole Donahue that snuck by Struthers. Red Lake Falls would have an answer, as Brock Seeger would hit Evan Girdler on a terrific outlet pass, allowing Girdler to move in all alone to score, and give the Eagles the lead back at 3-2 with 12:38 left in the game. With 10:11 remaining, Red Lake Falls would get their first Power Play of the hockey game after the Raiders were called for a hold. They were unable to capitalize, however, keeping the score at 3-2. The Eagles would get another goal shortly after the penalty expired, as Gavin Girdler intercepted a weak pass trying to leave the zone, and skated in on a breakaway beating the Raiders goaltender with his backhand, pushing the lead to 4-2 with just 6:39 left to play. A late penalty would give Greenway a Power Play, and they would elect to pull the goaltender as well. With just 0:18 left in the game, the Raiders would get a goal on a snipe from Aden Springer that beat Struthers up top, bringing Greenway within one goal. It was a little too late, however, as the Raiders couldn’t generate any more offense, and the Eagles hung on to get the 4-3 win.

Red Lake Falls improves to 12-8 on the season with the win. Greenway falls to 8-12.

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Scoring	1st	2nd	3rd	Final
Greenway	1	0	2	3
RLF	1	1	2	4

1st Period
5:08 – RLF – Blake Breiland (Gavin Girdler, Evan Girdler)
6:26 – Greenway – Jace Kammeier (Beau Carlson)

2nd Period
13:24 – RLF – Gavin Girdler (Blake Brieland)

3rd Period
1:03 – Greenway – Cole Donahue (Beau Carlson, Gino Troumbly)
4:22 – RLF – Evan Girdler (Brock Seeger)
10:21 – RLF – Gavin Girdler (unassisted)
16:42 – Greenway – Aden Springer (unassisted) (PP)