Eagles’ hockey team cruises past Monroe

After an offensive explosion in its season opener, the Sauk Prairie co-op hockey team got off to a slow start in its second game of the season. But the Eagles scored four unanswered goals to rally from a first-period deficit and skate to a 5-2 victory over the visiting Monroe co-op in a non-conference boys hockey game at the Sauk Prairie Area Recreation Center Ice Arena on Nov 26. In getting off to a 2-0 start, Sauk Prairie has outscored its first two opponents 17-2. “I couldn’t be happier with the effort, the culture, the chemistry,” Sauk Prairie coach David Lohrei said. “We practice the way we want to play.” Sauk Prairie allowed a goal just 33 seconds into play when Cade Janecke converted assists from Payton Stauffacher and Hayden Roth for a 1-0 Monroe (1-1) lead. “They got the early goal, and we chased our tail for a while,” Lohrei said. “Once we knotted it up and took the lead, we were in charge.” The Eagles answered with second-period goals from senior center Camden Desroches and freshman forward Luke Mast to take control. “Monroe is much better than it has been,” Lohrei said. “They scored right away. But we did end up outshooting them.” Sauk Prairie outshot Monroe, 66-14, including 51-10 over the final two periods. The Eagles were 1-of-2 on the power-play, while Monroe was 0-for-4. “Their goaltender was amazing,” Lohrei said of Heath Bear, who finished with 61 saves. “He was tough to beat. But we stuck with it.” Desroches tied the score when he converted an assist from senior defenseman Willy Hanson at the 4 minute, 57 second mark of the second period. Luke Mast then gave Sauk Prairie the lead for good with a power-play goal off assists from his brother, Nick Mast, and senior Riley Jelinek for a 2-1 lead at 7:48. Five players scored for Sauk Prairie, with Nick Mast and Jelinek each contributing a goal and two assists. Willy Hanson chipped in two assists. “For the first time, in a couple of years, we have three lines we can play,” Lohrei said. “That takes the heat off Cam (Desroches) and Riley (Jelinek). They don’t have to be out there every other shift.” Sophomore Micah Hanson made it 3-1 just 45 seconds into the final period off an assist from junior Caeben Schomber. Nick Mast then scored off assists from Jelinek and Desroches to give the Eagles some breathing room. Roth trimmed Sauk Prairie’s lead to 5-2 with a goal at 15:54. Jelinek then capped the scoring with a goal on assists from Nick Mast and Willy Hanson with 24 seconds left to play. Sauk Prairie goaltender Jordan O’Connor finished with 12 saves. “We want some competitive games, and sometimes it’s tough to find,” Lohrei said. “There are some teams who don’t have a lot of players or talent. As we grow as a program, some other programs are where we were four, five years ago.” • JV debut: For the first time for fifth-year coach David Lohrei, the Eagles were able to field a JV team this season. The Eagles, who are also coached by the varsity coaching staff, won their opener, earning a 5-1 decision over Monroe. “It’s important that they have the same experience as the varsity,” Lohrei said of his dual coaching roles. “It’s very important we develop these kids because nine or 10 of these kids will be on the varsity next year.” • On deck: Sauk Prairie returns to action on Friday with a non-conference game at Viroqua on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Eagles then travel to Milton for a non-conference game on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. Nov. 26 Sauk Prairie co-op 5, Monroe co-op 2 Monroe............................. 1 0 1 — 2 Sauk Prairie..................... 0 2 3 — 5 First period: M — Cade Janecke (Payton Stauffacher, Hayden Roth), 0:33. Second period: SP — Camden Desroches (Willy Hanson), 4:57; Luke Mast (Nick Mast, Riley Jelinek), 7:48 (pp). Third period: SP — Micah Hanson (Caeben Schomber), 0:45; N. Mast (Jelinek, Desroches), 13:00; M — Roth (Janecke, Jared Dillon), 15:54; SP — Jelinek (N. Mast, W. Hanson), 16:36. Saves: M 61 (Heath Bear); SP 12 (Jordan O’Connor). Penalties-minutes: M 3-6; SP 5-10.