Ice hockey slaughters Springbrook

JAN 31, WHEATON INLINE-

The ice hockey team valiantly defeated Springbrook High School 11-1 on Friday night, warranting the mercy rule with four minutes left in the second period. Outstanding leadership and heightened energy helped Blair pull out the tremendous win.

Springbrook's offense was no match for Blair's defense. With only a few opportunities created for Springbrook's attack, Blair's defense did an excellent job of covering men in its zone. On odd-man rushes, senior defenders Zachary Tinkelman and Wesley Gee successfully kept Springbrook from shooting.

On offense, Blair penetrated with continual shots, scoring as many as three goals in two minutes. Senior Max Eckert, in his first game back from a recent suspension, scored a hat trick.

The puck, as well as 11 players, remained on Springbrook's half of the rink for most of the game, and crowding around the goal posed a slight problem for Blair. Scrambling in front of the goal forced Blair to take long slap-shots. Tinkelman scored an impressive goal from half-rink in the second period, making the scored 10-1. Springbrook's goalie had much difficulty tracking the puck as well as keeping his stick, which he lost twice.

Senior Neal Valisak provided a spark of leadership on the ice and led through outstanding example. Valisak has been a key player for Blair this season because of his speed, aggressiveness and agility, according to Senior Matt Poness. Valisak was on top of his game against Springbrook with nonstop energy.

Eckert and senior Dylan Irion both received two-minute penalties, but no other penalties were called against Blair. Eckert received a technical foul early in the first period.

Blair's final game will be played at the Wheaton Inline on February 4 against Northwest High School at 4:30 p.m. Winning this game will put the boys at a 5-5 record, a goal they have been shooting for since midseason.