Since a tough loss to Proctor late last year, the North Shore Storm boys hockey team has missed against Marshall, won against Wadena, given way to Greenway, and most recently, mastered Mora.
The game against Duluth Marshall took place at Rukavina Arena on January 2. North Shore senior Ethan Meeks opened the scoring less than 30 seconds into the second period with a power-play goal, assisted by sophomore Nox Peterson. However, the Hilltoppers controlled the game, limiting the Storm to a single goal while netting five of their own. Freshman goalie Dax Krech faced an onslaught, turning away 46 of Marshall’s 51 shots on goal.
The Storm found their stride against Wadena-Deer Creek at the Wadena Ice Arena on January 4. North Shore came out firing in the first period, with senior Albin Linder opening the scoring just over a minute into the game, assisted by freshman Kade Norman. Ayden Althaus followed up with another goal before the four-minute mark, with senior Cole Anderson providing the assist.
The Wolverines responded with two goals in the second period, but senior Jacob Carpenter restored the Storm’s lead before the period ended, with Cole Anderson earning his second assist of the game. Carpenter has recently committed to playing hockey for UW Stout. (Congrats, Jacob!)
Though Wadena-Deer Creek managed to tie it up again, Nox Peterson delivered the game-winner, assisted by Anderson and Ayden Althaus. The Storm secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory.
On January 7, North Shore hosted Greenway at Rukavina Arena. The two teams were nearly even in shots on goal, but the Raiders managed to score twice while the Storm netted only one. Cole Anderson put North Shore on the board with a power-play goal, assisted by Jacob Carpenter. In an earlier matchup this season, the Raiders also came out on top by a single goal.
The Mora/Milaca matchup took place at Sonju Arena on January 10. When the teams met at the Mora Civic Center just before the holiday, North Shore came out on top in a close contest, securing a 3-2 victory.
After a scoreless first period, the Storm erupted for five goals in the second. Althaus netted a hat trick, while Norman scored twice, completing his own hat trick in the third period. Carpenter added an unassisted, even-strength goal early in the third. The Storm dominated the game, finishing strong with an impressive lead.
The Mustangs avoided a shutout when they scored against Dax Krech, who made 24 saves throughout the game. North Shore sent a barrage of 40 shots on Mora/Milaca. With a final score of 7-1, the Storm’s season record now stands at 5-11.
