Nov. 30 the Spartans (1-1-0) went down to New Ulm (0-1-0) and captured their first win, beating the Eagles, 6 to 2.
This was first year head coach, Kasey Yoder, first win as a Spartan. “It feels good.” Yoder said.
“Great confidence booster for the team,” junior Trip Renard said, who tallied two goals in the win. “We went in expecting a fight and we took care of business.”
The Spartans out matched the Eagles, out shooting them 43 to 21. Junior Jon Flanke shoutout the Eagles for two periods until Eagles senior Judd Davis netted two power play goals in the third period.
The Spartans got rolling late in first period, when Renard scored the Spartans first goal of the season assisted by sophomore David McCuskey. “Scoring the team’s first goal was awesome,” said Renard, “being able to get the ball rolling in the right direction for the season was amazing.”
Juniors Alex Sellers V, Will LeNeave, and Logan Kinsel helped the Spartans boost to their 6 to 2 win. “It was awesome that I was able to help the guys get a win.” said Sellers V.
The Spartans JV team also had success down in New Ulm winning 13 to 1. Led by junior Logan Kinsel, who got a hat trick for the JV Spartans.
“Looking forward, I think our team has great depth and potential.” said Renard. The weekend of Dec. 6 and 7 the Spartans have two tough test coming into to Orono.
On Dec. 6 the Spartans will host St. Cloud Apollo (2-1-0), who punched their ticket to state last year , and beat #5 Duluth Marshall on Nov. 30. That game will also be the Spartans home opener. On Dec. 7, the Spartans will welcome the #1 team in the state, Hermantown (1-1-0).
“This weekend will be a great measuring mark for us,” said Yoder. “I can’t wait,” said senior assistant captain Ellis Noerenberg, “It is always fun to play good teams like [St. Cloud] Apollo and a state powerhouse like Hermantown. It is great competition for us and fun for our fans to see some good hockey.”
The Spartans hope to keep up the good spirits and continue to move forward.
“When the competition level is up and we are all healthy we are a very, very strong team,” said Sellers V. “We should be a huge threat moving forward and going into sections.”
