Joe Drennan
Sports EditorAfter falling 2-1 to Duluth East, the Forest Lake girls hockey team was hoping to get their first win of the season in their home opener against Duluth Denfeld/Central. A late Denfeld/Central goal gave the Devils a 2-1 victory over the Rangers.
The Rangers played the Greyhounds on Tuesday. Eighth grader Kathy Crudo scored the lone Rangers goal. Rangers eighth grade goalie Kim Fredrick held the Greyhounds offense to only two goals in the 2-1 loss.
The Rangers returned home to play the Devils from Duluth Denfeld/Central Saturday afternoon at the Maroon and Gold Arena for their home opener.
After a scoreless first period, freshman Kate Haglund scored 1:48 into the second period, capitalizing on a Devils penalty. Haglundís goal was assisted by freshman Alexa Nelson. The Devils tied things up less than two minutes later when Marisha Park-Chids scored.
The game stayed tied until late in the third period. With just over five minutes left in regulation, Heidi Engstad scored for the Devils, putting them ahead of the Rangers 2-1.
ìThe one thing I have noticed in all three games this year is that we have been in it right until the end which is great to see,î Forest Lake head coach Shawn Everson said.
The Devils peppered the young Rangers goaltender Fredrick with 26 shots. Fredrick stayed focused and stopped 24 of the Devils shots.
ìSheís had three outstanding games,î Everson said of his young goalie.
Staying out of the penalty box was not a problem for the Rangers against the Devils as they were only called for one penalty compared to the Devils six. The Rangers goal came off a power play.
After dropping their first game 3-1 to Chisago Lakes, and a loss to both Duluth East and Denfeld/Central, the Rangersí record is 0-3. In their first three games, the Rangers have only been able to score three goals, one in each game. Despite only scoring three goals, the Rangers defense has held their opponents to only 7 goals this season.
ìOur 0-3 record can be deceiving,î Everson said. ìWeíve been in every game we have played, itís just a matter of getting more shots on the net.î
The Rangers were outshot 26-15 by the Devils, with only one shot in the third period.
ìThatís something weíve got to get better at,î Everson said. ìThatís definitely one of our areas of the game we have to work on, getting more shots on the net.î
As each game passes, the young Rangers team is getting more comfortable on the ice. Before the season started, Everson said he expected the team to improve as the season progresses.
ìWeíre a young team,î Everson said. ìIt will come. Thatís something weíre stressing.î
The Rangersí next game is Saturday at Park Center at 7:30 p.m.
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