The North Shore Storm, a collective force comprising players from Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Cook County, made an impressive debut in their latest match against the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines. The Wolverines faced a formidable challenge against the Storm’s skilled lineup at the Sonju Arena in Two Harbors on Saturday, November 26th, in an early afternoon game.
The Storm’s goal was guarded by none other than #33 Senior Zach Bentler, a familiar name to many as he had recently been featured as a Football All-Star in a previous edition. With 21 saves during the game, it’s clear Zach Bentler has talent in both football and hockey.
Two goals were already on the scoreboard when I arrived. Within the first minute the fans had witnessed an exhilarating unassisted goal by #13 Kade Norman, an 8th grader from Two Harbors, which was effective in setting the tone for an action-packed match.
The Storm continued to dominate in the first period, with #29 Jake Stadler, a Silver Bay senior, finding the back of the net. This goal, assisted by #12 Jacob Carpenter, a junior from Silver Bay, showcased the cohesive teamwork that would define the Storm’s performance throughout the game.
Stadler and Carpenter would prove to be a dynamic duo again in the second period, extending the lead to 3-0. Just before the period concluded, junior #15 Aydon Althaus, of Silver Bay, scored with assists from both Norman and Stadler, further solidifying the Storm’s dominance.
Entering the third period, the Storm showed no signs of letting up. #18 Andrew Wehrman, a Silver Bay senior, added another goal with Carpenter getting his third assist of the afternoon. The lead increased to 5-0. Before the end of the game, Carpenter got a goal of his own, with Stadler assisting for his second time during the game.
The final score was 6-0, leaving the Storm fans with smiles on their faces as they filed out of the arena.
The intensity of the game was not only evident in the goals, but also in the penalties incurred. In the 1st period, the Storm went on the penalty kill three times, while the Wolverines defended one. In the 3rd period, the Wolverines racked up four penalties, while the Storm faced two. The physicality of the match did not overshadow the skillful gameplay that characterized both teams.
As the final buzzer sounded, it became clear that the North Shore Storm had not only opened their season with an emphatic victory, but had done so with a resounding shutout.
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