Packers hold off Wingers to win fifth straight game
Published 9:43 pm Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Austin’s Matthew Phanchan pushes back during a scrum against the boards during the first period Tuesday night in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Naryk Rector brings the puck into the Red Wing zone during the second period Tuesday night at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Kyler Flanders carries the puck during the second period Tuesday night against Red Wing in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Kade Overocker fends off pressure during the second period against Red Wing at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Leighton Ruhter-Wencl controls the puck against Red Wing in the second period Tuesday night in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Will Fox collects the puck during the first period against Red Wing in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Tait Johnson fends off a Red Wing shot during the first period Tuesday night in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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The Austin boys hockey team was able to lock down on defense down the stretch to close out the Wingers 3-2 in Riverside Arena Tuesday.
The Wingers (2-20-2 overall) out-shot Austin 11-6 in the final period, but the Packers prevailed as the defense helped protect freshman goalie Tait Johnson, who finished with 32 saves.
“We had to bear down together, make sure we played D zone and do our jobs,” Austin senior Grady Carney said. “We had to fight through those close battles. You have to know what you’re doing and know where the puck is going to be.”
The Wingers took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Maddox Peterson, but Austin took the lead back when sophomore Kade Overocker nailed a pair of slap shots to make it 2-1.
“We were working as a team. We’ve all got each other’s back and it’s fun playing out there with those guys,” said Overocker. “I look up to all of the older guys and it’s fun playing with all of them.”
Another youngster stepped up for the Packers (15-7-1 overall) when freshman Talan Hall scored to make it 3-1 in the second period.
Carney said the young Packers have helped provide depth and skill to a squad that is enjoying its best season in nearly two decades.
“Our young guys are doing more than anyone could ask out of them,” Carney said. “It looks great for the future.”
Austin had 31 shots on goal in the win.
The Packers have outscored their opponents 29-5 during their five-game winning streak and they have two more tests remaining in the regular season before the playoffs begin next week. Austin will host Mankato West at 7 p.m. Thursday and it will host Rochester Mayo at noon Saturday.
“We’re just trying to finish off the season with a couple of more wins,” Carney said. “They’ll be a tough couple of games, but we’re trying to win as many as we can.”
SCORING SUMMARY
Red Wing 1 1 0 – 2
Austin 1 2 0 – 3
First period
(RW) Maddox Peterson (Mason Ganrud) 1:16
(A) Kade Overocker (Grady Carney) 8:05
Second period
(A) Overocker :53
(A) Talan Hall 7:24
(RW) Ganrud (Grayson Redfield) 15:09
Third period
No scoring
