By Jim den Hollander
Editor/Publisher
Saukhockey.info
The highly anticipated season opener for the Dells Ducks saw a thriller slip away with a rough second and third period seeing the goals pile up in what was ultimately a 13-4 win for the visiting Rum River Mallards at Lake Delton Ice Arena.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, the Ducks struck back with two goals in 29 seconds to pull even. The Mallards added a later first period goal to carry a 3-2 edge into the second session but the Mallards took the game over with five straight goals before the Ducks hit for one 15 seconds from the end of the period.
Jacob Cortland (‘02/Mukwonago) notched the first goal of the season for the Ducks with help from Jayden Tkaczuk (‘02/Channahon, IL) and Caden Glamkowski (‘04/St. Charles, IL).
The other first period Ducks goal came from defenseman Jack Kopfstein (‘05/Newport Beach, CA) with assists for Glamkowski and Tkaczuk.
Glamkowski wrapped up a three-point night with the second period goal, helped by Cartland and Colin March.
The Mallards matched their 5-1 run in the final period, the lone Ducks’ goal in the frame coming early as Bryce Jacobson scored on a penalty shot after being hauled down on a breakaway.
The Ducks were outshot 50-17 in the contest although the play was more even in the final two frames after the hosts surrendered a 19-5 margin through the opening 20 minutes.
Ducks hope to regroup in the next 24 hours and will get another shot at breaking into the win column with a rematch against the Mallards at the Lake Delton Ice Arena Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
Sauk Hockey 