The OPRF Hockey Club is making an art out of bouncing back from a tough loss. After getting shutout by Neuqua Valley 7-0 on Saturday, the Huskies came back to edge Waubonsie Valley 2-1 on Sunday night at Ridgeland Commons.
In Sunday’s win, OPRF was forced to play without two key defensemen in Dan Miscovic and Adam Palmore, both out with injuries. The game was a battle between the two goalies and the Huskies goalie, Bob Grayson, came out on top. There was no score in the first period and back-to-back penalties allowed Waubonsie Valley four straight power play minutes. This enabled the Warriors to outshoot OPRF 14-7.
Waubonsie finally scored with 11:11 left in the second period. The Huskies came back when Al McDonnel managed to score on a feed from defenseman Brett Newman.
McDonnell scored his second goal of the night with 3:04 left in the game. His brother, Matt McDonnell, and Newman were credited with assists.
Waubonsie played the last minutes of the game with a one-man advantage after pulling their goalie to try to tie the game. A strong defensive finish enabled the Huskies to come away with the win.
Grayson ended the night making 36 saves on 37 shots on goal.
The win washed away memories of OPRF’s loss to eighth-ranked Neuqua Valley the night before.
The Huskies played the Wildcats evenly in the first period, allowing one goal. A series of six consecutive penalties between the first and second periods proved to be their downfall as Grayson allowed three power play goals by the end of the second period.
Coach Anthony Morelli switched goalies to start the third period but by this time, the game was out of hand. The Huskies were unable to score and managed only eight shots on goal for the entire game. Grayson ended the night with 25 saves off 29 shots on goal and freshman goalie Tanner Houston made seven saves on 10 shots.
A press release contributed to this report.
