Nov. 26, Orono Boys Hockey kicked off their 2013-2014 season at Chanhassen. Led by first year head coach, Kasey Yoder, and his staff Justin Pagel, Doug Lein, and DJ Hamm.
The Spartans (0-1-0) came up short in their season opener, falling to the Storm (1-0-0) 0 to 1.
“We fought hard,” said senior assistant captain, Ellis Noernberg, “we just couldn’t finish at the end.”
The Spartans out shot the Storm, 30-28, and served less penalty minutes, but came up short.
The only goal came in the first period, when the Storm’s junior, Cole Roberson beat Spartan’s junior goalie, Jon Flanke low blocker side.
Flanke stopped 27 of 28 shots he faced. “He [Flanke] played great,” Noernberg said, “he kept us in it the whole game.”
“That was a tough one to give up.” Noernberg said. From there on the Spartans and Storm were neck and neck. “They were good in the neutral zone,” Noernberg said, “we still competed and I am proud of how the guys bounced back and finished the game.”
At the closing of third period, the Spartans had a 5 on 3 power play for about 53 seconds left in the game. The Storm’s junior, Reid Meyer, was called for checking for behind giving the Spartans a 5 minute power power.
The Spartans could not capitalize on the power play and the Storm held on to beat the Spartans. The Spartans were 0 for 5 on the power play for the night.
The Spartans junior varsity team, coached by Doug Lien and DJ Hamm, beat the Storm, 3 to 0, led by junior Trip Renard who tallied a goal and assist to boost the JV Spartans to a win.
The Spartans next game is Nov. 30 at New Ulm. JV puck drop is at noon and following, Varsity puck drop at 2.
