Austin boys hockey team starts fast, but falls to Mankato East

Published 10:26 pm Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Austin boys hockey team jumped out to a quick start, but it couldn’t keep it up as it lost 9-7 to Mankato East (8-4-3 overall, 4-2 Big Nine) in Riverside Arena Thursday.

The Packers (6-7 overall, 3-5 Big Nine) led 2-0 early in the first period, but the Cougars tied things up at 2-2 and they jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the second period.

Austin’s Tyler Hoban with the puck in the Mankato East zone Thursday night during the first period at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Tyler Hoban with the puck in the Mankato East zone Thursday night during the first period at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“We took the pace of play to them for five minutes of the second period, but we couldn’t capitalize,” Austin head coach Jason Merritt said.

Email newsletter signup

Austin pulled to within 7-6 with five minutes left in the game, but the Packers committed a penalty and the Cougars scored to go up 8-6.

“The kids never quit. They battled hard and they fought hard,” Merritt said. “I think it was a lesson for them that they’re never out of it until the final buzzer.”

Kory Potach had a hat trick for Austin, Bradyen Merritt had two goals, Jack Dankert scored one goal and AJ Mueller scored his first varsity goal.