By Jim den Hollander
Editor/Publisher
Saukhockey.info
The Dells Ducks limped home from a rough USPHL Premier Midwest-West Division weekend that has run its current losing streak to seven games.
It was expected to be a tough three-game weekend against the division’s only remaining undefeated teams. The Minnesota Squatch outscored the local side 22-2 in games Friday and Saturday running its own record to 6-0. On the way home, the Ducks stopped in Hudson and turned in a much more competitive effort, but ultimately fell 4-1 against the host Hudson Havoc.
For the young Ducks it’s hoped the experience will be a tough but beneficial lesson. Last season there were some lopsided losses early but the team showed a marked improvement over the second half of the season. October has been a tough month and there are some difficult tasks before the month ends as well.
The Squatch joined the division last season an have a 7-0 record against the Ducks since then. The team boasted some of the leatgue’s top scorers last season and despite most of them moving on, the Squatch boasts a similarly explosive offense made up of secondary players from last season and some new hot shooters this time around.
Goaltenders were simply overworked, facing a total of more than 130 shots in the two games. On Friday night, the Squatch was held off for nearly a half period, but then fired two in 23 seconds on its way to a 3-0 first period lead and a 6-0 cushion by the end of the second period.
Gabe Krueger Mhis second of the season early in the third period for the Ducks on Friday and Saturday’s goal came from Owen Plumert, his fourth of the season.
On Sunday, goaltender Michael Carden helped the team weather an early storm. Outshot 17-5 in the opening period and 12-9 through the middle period the Ducks trailed just 1-0 heading to the final 20 minutes.
The visitors wrapped up the weekend with its best period, outshooting its host 12-8, but Evan Luxford fired his second of three in the sixth minute to give the Havoc a 2-0 cushion.
Defenseman Jack Kopfstein fired the team’s lone goal, his second of the season just 26 seconds later but the Havoc fired another pair shortly after.
The Ducks will look to snap its current skid playing in front of friendly fans this weekend when the Minnesota Moose pays a visit to the Lake Delton Ice Arena with 7p.m. games on both Friday and Saturday night.
A preview on the series and an early look at next week’s Blaine Showcase will be available Thursday night.
Sauk Hockey 