For the Tomahawk Leader
SHAWANO – The Tomahawk Hatchet hockey team took traveled to Shawano on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and fell by a score of 10 to 4.
Head coach Chris Bembinster said the team started out slow, leading to a 5 to 0 deficit at the end of the first period, but the team showed improvement as the game went on, saying the third period “brought exactly what this group is capable of.”
“We kept our feet moving, which in turn drew penalties, and we capitalized on some of them,” he stated. “This group is showing they have fight in them and refuse to just accept defeat. As our shortened season is nearing the end, I hope we can turn that determination into a win or two down the stretch!”
Following their loss in Shawano, the Hatchets hosted Mosinee on Thursday, Jan. 14 and were defeated 6 to 1.
Bembinster said, despite the loss, he and his staff thought they had watched their team play its most complete game of the season.
“I do realize we lost 6 to 1, but this is a team ranked in Division 2 in the state right now” he stated after the game. “Also, (it was) the second time in as many games that we won a period in the game. We are proud of these kids for the heart they showed tonight. I sincerely hope we have found the combination we have been looking for this season. This may not be a win on paper, but this team showed what they are capable of, as a team!”
The Hatchets took on Antigo on Saturday, Jan. 16 were dealt a tough 16 to 0 loss.
“We played a respectable 1st period,” Bembinster stated. “We were down 3-0. After that, emotions took over, and we did not compete. We are a better team than we showed today. We will learn and come back stronger.”
The Hatchet pucksters traveled to Park Falls to take on Chequamegon on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Waupaca will be in town on Friday, Jan. 22 for a 7 p.m. matchup at SARA Park.