For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Hatchet hockey team had a busy week last week, facing four opponents in five days and ultimately coming away with two wins and two losses.

Ashland

Tomahawk hosted Ashland at SARA Park on Tuesday, Jan. 18 and fell by a score of 4-7.

Head coach Chris Bembinster said the Hatchets played a very competitive game.

“We seemed to control a lot of the game, and we out shot them,” Bembinster stated. “We have some things to work out, but this team is coming together at the right time. We will be ready for the end of the season.”

Chequamegon

The Hatchets faced the Chequamegon Screaming Eagles at home on Thursday, Jan. 20 and earned a 3-1 win.

“With this night meaning as much as it did tonight, it was great for this team to come away with a win,” Bembinster said after the game. “The kids got better with every shift and played a very competitive game. Once again, hats off to the opponents, and especially the goalie, as he played a great game. We are finding a good groove right now, time to build on what we have, and get better every game.”

Waupaca

Both the JV and varsity Hatchets traveled to Waupaca on Friday, Jan. 21. The JV squad fell by a score of 5-1,while the varsity skaters were defeated 4-1.

“The JV group did a great job of competing against a Waupaca group that was running three full lines to our two,” Bembinster said. “That group has been working really hard this season with little chance to compete at the varsity level. They showed how much they have been working in practice yesterday. The second game, we ran into something we have to find a way to change soon: scoring. We are getting better every game. We just have to settle in and find a way to put the puck in the net. Small details to work on in practice to get us where we can be.”

Oshkosh

On Saturday, Jan. 22, Tomahawk hosted Oshkosh in the Hatchets’ fourth game in five days, and the Hatchets came away with a convincing 8-0 win.

Bembinster said the team came out with a purpose from the drop of the puck.

“We did a great job in all three zones, and controlled the puck very well,” he stated. “These are the games we have to replicate coming into the end of the season and playoffs right around the corner. Great team effort, and every player got in on the action. Great way to end a busy week.”

The Hatchets were slated to face Antigo in a road matchup on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Pacelli is set to come to Tomahawk on Friday, Jan. 28, with opening pick drop at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 29, the Tomahawk pucksters will travel to Marshfield for a game that gets underway at 4 p.m.