Austin boys hockey team starts fast, but falls to Mankato East
Published 10:26 pm Thursday, January 12, 2017
- Austin’s Kory Potach harrasses Mankato East’s Jackson Keller during the first period Thursday night at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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
“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.
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.
