The RWD Cheavers officially wrapped up the 2022-23 campaign Saturday night with its banquet/awards event at Bobber’s in Lake Delton.
Among the announcements at the event was the return of the entire coaching staff – Head Coach Neil Mattson, Assistant Coaches Mike Welch and Jeramy Greenwood, Goaltending Coach Rick Allison and junior varsity co/coaches Joe Uminski and Cade Mattson.
One change though will be Greenwood doing some double duty in the upcoming season as a counsellor, available for players who may be experiencing mental or emotional challenges. This change was deemed necessary by the coaches with some recent events and the recent local, national and international attention given to mental health issues in athletes.
“We’re hopeful this can be helpful for the young guys,” said Mattson.
After dinner, Mattson addressed the players and parents, setting goals (15-9 regular season record) for 2023-24 and praising the players for their respective roles this past season with special attention for the seniors.
It’s fitting the seniors garnered the attention as Mattson routinely relies on and leans heavily on the fourth-year skaters and they always deliver for him.
The Cheavers played through an interesting season, finishing the regular season at 14-10 and moving on to a 1-1 post season, ended by state tournament bound Verona Wildcats who feasted on the Badger West Conference with wins against the Cheavers, Sauk Prairie Eagles and Madison Edgewood Crusaders en-route to the state tourney.
Mattson pointed at the nine losses by a single goal as evidence things could have been much different with a few bounces.
Mattson said the senior players posted an overall record of 57-40-1 during their time with the Cheavers.
Honored first were the six team managers including senior Kaitlin Elder who stepped in this season as the team videographer and another pair of seniors, Stella Scott and Olga Hernandez who wrapped up a four-year run with the team. Other managers, Autumn Gillman, Megan Franz and Lydia Eastman were named and all six were presented with a gift from the coaches.
Seniors
The seniors played a big role for the RWD Cheavers again this season. Pictured in front are Nate Stando (left) and Logan DeMars. Second row is Carsen Brandt (left) and Caleb Eastman. In the third row are John Scott (left) and Caden Brandt and iin the back are Lukas Vana (left) and Yevgeny Dedun. Absent from the photo is senior Conner Putz. (Photo Courtesy Jen Baldwin)
From there, Mattson highlighted the performance of the team’s nine seniors including in order of jersey number:
John Scott – Scott relished the senior role collecting 19 goals and 34 points, nearly double the 19 points from his junior year. Over his four-year varsity career (including playoffs) Scott collected 64 points for the Cheavers and his aggressive physical play worked well.
John Scott (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Mattson said Scott “played with passion…for the love of the game. He played for all the right reasons.”
Lukas Vana – Vana, a foreign exchange student from Czech Republic immediately improved the team on defense, making his presence felt on offense as will with five goals and 23 points on the season. Vana also fit in well off the ice said Mattson.
Lukas Vana (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“He was one of the funniest guys in the locker room,” recalled the coach.
Caden Brandt – Simply put, Brandt is one of the greatest players to represent the Blue and White jersey and the Brandt brothers will be tough to replace. A class act both on and off the ice, Brandt overcame an early season injury scare to wrap up his third 20-goal campaign with 37 regular season points.
Caden Brandt (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
Over his career, Brandt put up 86 goals, second most in team history. He was an obvious First Team All-Badger Conference selection and moves on with a 142-point total. The best part of his stats could be the penalty minutes total – 24 minutes in 87 regular season contests.
Carsen Brandt – The defender gave an indication of his mental toughness came in his junior year when Brandt shrugged off a shoulder injury, putting off surgery until after the season.
Carsen Brandt (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
He returned 100 percent healthy for his senior year and was a leader on the blueline, called on in every situation. Like his brother, Brandt played clean, sitting just 32 minutes through 83 games and that was important as both were relied on heavily in penalty kill situations.
Also, a First Team All-Badger Conference member and a leader by example, Mattson summed up the thoughts of everyone in attendance saying, “Thank you for all you have done for this program.”
Yevgeny Dedun (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Yevgeny Dedun – Dedun “Had a wonderful senior season,” said Mattson of the hard-nosed forward whose contributions don’t always show up on a score sheet. Dedun’s physical style punished opposition players and like the Brandt brothers he did it while avoiding infractions. Dedun was charged with just give minor penalties in the 22 games played this season despite being a physical player.
Caleb Eastman – Like Dedun, Eastman was an energy player who made the varsity lineup in his senior season through hard work and a great mental attitude. “He never complained,” said Mattson classifying the rugged winger as “one of the greatest role players you could ask for.” His hard work paid off as Eastman collected his first varsity goal.
Caleb Eastman (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Nate Stando (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Logan DeMars – Another anchor on the blueline, along with Brandt and Vana, DeMars chipped in on defensive unit that later shared a team award. Mattson said DeMars helped produce a “solid foundation on the blue line,” limiting opposition chances or making them fire the puck from well outside the scoring zone. DeMars has been counted on heavily by the varsity team, playing all 24 regular season games in both his junior and senior seasons and suiting up in a four-year total of 89 games.
Logan DeMars (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Nate Stando – Perhaps the biggest improvement among the seniors came from Stando who used his size and reach to become a regular for the Cheavers. Mattson described his three-goal, 10-point season as a “breakout season,” adding his ability to find chemistry with whoever he was on the ice with as a plus.
Conner Putz (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“He bounced around from line to line,” early in the season said Mattson adding he fit in well with whoever he was on the ice with.
“He never worried about minutes, he just wanted to be a part of it.”
Conner Putz – Hard work and a positive attitude helped Putz get into the varsity lineup for a half dozen games in his senior season and he was also on the roster for the post season, a great reward for a player who did whatever was asked of him.
“He shows up every game with a positive attitude and a smile on his face,” said Mattson.
Awards
The Coaches wrapped up the night with the presentation of several team awards for both the junior varsity and varsity teams.
The coaches will all be back with RWD in the fall including from left: Rick Allison; Cade Mattson; Neil Mattson; Mike Welch and Jeramy Greenwood. Absent from the photo (with a team playing at the State tournament is Joe Uminski. (Photo Courtesy Jen Baldwin).
First, the JV squad honored a trio of players, Tristan Edgerton collecting Offensive Player of the Year honors and Nolan Pope earning Defensive Player of the Year while rugged defender Carter Renneberg received the ‘Mr. Hustle’ Award.
Coaches honored the entire defense corps, including of course, sophomore goaltender Alex Griebe for an awesome effort this past season.
With a penalty killing success rate of 84% among some other great statistics, Mattson said the defense corps “was one of the most solid groups we’ve had,” as a squad.
Also honored were the six team members that shared the role of team captain for 2022-23 including seniors John Scott, Caden Brandt, Carsen Brandt, Yevgeny Dedun and Logan Demars along with junior Brady Baldwin. Mattson also announced Baldwin will return as a captain in the fall along with incoming senior defender Iszak Elder.
Caden Brandt and John Scott became a two-headed scoring monster for the Cheavers this season and it was fitting they shared the Offensive Player of the Year Award and Nate Stando was rewarded for his breakout campaign as an easy selection for Most Improved Player.
Caden Brandt returned to pick up the ‘Triple D’ (Dedication/Desire/Discipline) Award and the Hobey Baker Character Award was handed to Caleb Eastman celebrating his attitude.
Each Coach presented a Coaches Legacy Award beginning with Coach Allison who honored Putz with his Award.
Coach Welch described Carsen Brandt as “Coachable, Respectful with a desire to Improve, all while keeping a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average for his Award.
Coach Greenwood gave his honor to junior Brendan Bychinski who he described as “Dedicated and Put the team first.
Mattson gave his Legacy honor to Nate Stando, who he described as “Coachable” and a Character player with a willingness to Learn.”
Also honored with Certificates, pins and in some cases, varsity letters in order were” Geo Rivas; Kaden Uminski; Nolan Pope; Tristan Edgerton; Trey Lariden; RJ Manley; Gus DeFosse; Mark Othmer; Carter Renneberg; Andrey Tougas; Kadin Bergenske; Jaxon Hess; Iszak Elder; Tye Barney; Bryan Mammos; Alec Breunig; Jonny Mata; Bryton Clark; Brendan Bychinski; and Alex Griebe.
Wrapping up the evening, the players took over the role of presenters, honoring their coaches along with announcer Brad Droste and the team’s public relations standout Jennifer Baldwin.
With many players moving on already to spring sports, Mattson said the team will once again welcome the incoming freshmen and begin the bonding experience with some off-season events, beginning with a grueling four-mile run and cookout June 12 and continue it with summer hockey and other bonding activities, all leading up to the start of a new season in November.
Coach Rick Capener congratulated and said an emotional so long to six inspiring seniors at the Badger Lightning varsity and junior varsity banquet at Monk’s at the Wilderness Thursday (March 9) night.
The half dozen players played crucial roles on the squad dating back to their freshman season and in particular the 2020-21 season as they made up the core of a team that included just two lines, trying to stay 100 percent healthy during the COVID epidemic.
The presentation of senior honors and the team’s Specialty Awards was a highlight on the final meeting of players and parents for the 2022-23 season.
The group, including his youngest daughter, Kayla Capener, now the all-time leading scorer for the Lightning, clearly held a special place for Coach Capener.
“Some of these girls I have been in contact with for 10 years,” said the Coach before presenting senior honors. Capener coached them in youth hockey for several years before they started at their respective high schools.
Capener said the girls were used to winning, attending four state championship tournaments and always performing well.
“There was a lot of hockey, a lot of travel with this group.”
Pictured are the major award winners from the 2022-23 Badger Lightning banquet held at Monk’s at the Wilderness on Thursday (March 9). From left are: Paige Othmer (Sportsmanship Award); Kayla Capener (MVP); Mallory Ruland (Hobey Baker Award); Eryn Benson (Outstanding Defense) and Coaches Award (Elizabeth Hagg).
After dinner at Monk’s Capener addressed the team and parents, mentioning each varsity player individually and thanking everyone that helped make the season run smoothly.
Ending the evening was the presentation of six ‘Specialty’ trophies/plaques.
SPECIALTY AWARDS
The first presentation was the Sportsmanship Award presented to first year Paige Othmer who made a massive impression on the blue line in her rookie varsity season.
Othmer is not shy about being physical on the ice, but clearly plays clean, Capener pointing out she was the only varsity player to go penalty-free this season.
“She is always smiling,” said the Coach adding Othmer clearly loves the game adding on a couple occasions she apologized for incidental contact to members of the opposition.
Outstanding Defense honors went to Eryn Benson, who has been heavily relied on as a defender since her first days with the team.
A perfectionist when it comes to defense, “Nobody is harder on her than herself,” said Capener when it comes to her play on the ice. Capener described Benson as a “solid blue line player,” and her attention to the defensive side of the game meshed well with some of the younger defenders who like to carry the puck. She was an offensive contributor as well, blessed with a mighty shot from the point.
The Coaches Award was presented to Elizabeth Hagg, another of the promising first-year crop of players.
“This player did everything asked of her this year,” said Capener adding “She wanted a bigger role than she got most of the time but did it with a smile. She listens to everything we say, and she always looks to improve. She asked a lot of questions.”
Capener related a comical story about Hagg who took a rare penalty then returned to the ice and scored her first varsity goal. Capener makes no secret of his quest to eliminate penalties wherever possible so it might not be a surprise when he walked over to congratulate her on the goal she instead apologized for her infraction.
The Hobey Baker Award, presented for Dedication as well as on ice performance went to Mallory Ruland. Another product of the local youth system, Ruland, or more accurately her parents have sacrificed a lot to continue her hockey career as she travels from Elroy every day for practice with the team.
Ruland has been a key player since she started with the team, part of a potent trio (with Kayla Capener and Bella Bowden) during 2020-21 campaign and she has filled whatever position Coach Capener has asked throughout her four-year run.
Coach Capener also announced at the banquet Ruland received all-Badger Conference Honorable Mention recognition.
The Team MVP Award was presented to Kayla Capener who rewrote the team’s scoring record books and was a leader on the ice since her sophomore season.
This season the three-sport athlete scored 19 goals and 48 points to wrap up a four-year career with 58 goals and 150 points in 82 regular season games. Playoff totals add another four goals in five games.
While presenting here the MVP Award, Capener also announced his daughter was a unanimous First Team All-Badger Conference player and Second Team All-State.
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
FIRST YEARS
The varsity Lightning included a pair of First Year players this year and they made their presence felt immediately on a defense corps that should help the team take another step in its progress next season.
Kyran Merrell
(Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Side by side, they couldn’t be more different, but on the blue line, Paige Othmer, one of the team’s tallest players and Kyran Merrell, the smallest in stature but far from it in talent are both exceptional puck moving defenders that, partnered with the solid goaltending in place, should make the Lightning one of the best defensive teams in the Badger Conference.
Paige Othmer (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Capener said Merrell “was an impact player from the start. She has great hands and is one of the best (and quickest) technical skaters we have seen in some time.”
Merrell contributed two goals and seven helpers and earned her first varsity letter.
Othmer used her size to full advantage keeping the front of the Lightning goal clear of opposition threats and also was a quarterback for the powerplay from her spot on the blue line.
“She skates with the puck with a mission,” said Capener. Othmer collected five goals and nine points in her first season and earned her first varsity letter.
“Both of these players are going to be a force to contend with for the next three years for other teams,” said Capener.
SOPHMORES
Audrey Hanko
(Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
The varsity team included four sophomores and each of them played a key role this past season.
Defender Audrey Hanko was another of the young defenders that make the team’s future look so bright. Capener said quick reactions and a commitment to finishing plays made Hanko look solid on the blue line and an effective poke check brought memories of Carson Blosenski who graduated in 2022.
Hanko collected a goal and three points from her spot on the blue line and received her second varsity letter at the banquet.
Ryleigh Bychinski opted to stay in youth hockey for an extra season and became a fixture as a forward with the Lightning this past season.
Ryleigh Bychinski (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
In order to find the right fit and chemistry for others, Bychinski was moved around a bit through her first varsity season and Capener said she “handled it well,” describing here as an aggressive, physical player with good speed and a solid 200-foot game, Bychinski picked up three regular season goals and eight points.
Bychinski collected her first varsity letter.
Returning forward Kayla Garbacz had a successful season and like Bychinski she had different linemates over the season.
Kayla Garbacz (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“Another player we moved around a little, looking for the right fit and handled it well,” said Capener who praised her for her ability to find open areas with and without the puck and remembered a big assist she collected in a big game against Onalaska.
Overall, Garbacz who is also a gifted runner, collected three goals and seven points and collected her second varsity letter.
Reese Olson has been a key player for the Lightning since the first time she put the jersey on. Her aggressive style made her a perfect fit on the first line in her freshman season “and she earned that agan this year,” said Capener.
Reese Olson (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
The downside to the aggressive style of play is an occasional infraction, but Olson countered that as an exceptional penalty killer, turning the time playing short as a positive.
“When she forechecks, her goal is trying to give us an opportunity to score a ‘shorty,’” said Coach Capener.
Olson scored 10 goals and collected 26 points this season, receiving her second varsity letter along with a captain’s pin and a hat trick medal.
JUNIORS
The primary job of replacing the six departing seniors will fall to this group of four juniors who will lead the way next season.
First up, Katelyn Allen, described by Capener as “just a workhorse and grinder,” will make the team’s aggressive style live on.
Katleyn Allen (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“She thrives on breaking up and disrupting the flow for the other team,” said Capener who also gave her credit for doubling as a defender for the junior varsity squad, commenting that experience will make her more valuable as she could play forward or defense on the team depending on situations in 2023-24.
Allen scored a pair and set up another and was presented with her second varsity letter.
Another player Capener said will be relied on next season is third year forward Madchen Ewig.
Also known as a ‘grinder’ for her tireless play, Capener said she does anything asked on the ice, including a key game in Viroqua where she returned to the crease for the first time in hseveral seasons.
Madchen Ewig (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“She played huge in net against Viroqua. There was lots of pressure in the game, and she handled it great.”
Known primarily as a shutdown player against some tough opponents, Ewig picked up an assist along the way and received her third varsity letter.
Karson Nicksic was a mid-season addition as a forward but made a big impression quickly.
Described by the coach as a “fast, strong forward with good hockey sense. I am looking forward to a full season with her next year.”
Karsen Nicksic (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
Nicksic hit the mesh twice and set up a pair, collecting her first varsity letter.
One of the greatest weapons the Lightning has moving forward is the stellar play between the pipes from junior Alyssa Gada.
Alyssa Gada (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
The team doesn’t have a goalie coach but Gada’s attention to detail has made her one of the best around.
“She is very thorough,” said the Coach., “She replays every goal in her head so she can correct what happened.” She went to the cage for 1,100 minutes (about 18 and a half hours), making her one of the most overworked goaltenders in the state. She faced 586 shots and allowed less than three goals (2.80) per game witha save percentage of .910 that rose to .916 in key conference battles.
Her five shutouts give her seven in her career, second most all time for the Lightning and within reach of the 11 posted by Jamie Dutton. She earned her third varsity letter and with what should be a solid group of defenders she will make it difficult for opposition forwards next season.
Capener gave special notice to his seniors as he always does. This group faced leadership challenges earlier than most, playing big roles on an understaffed team. They leave the club much better than it was when they arrived.
Lily McPherson (Photo courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Among the graduating six was Lily McPherson, a defender who gained a ton of confidence in herself and her ability over the past four seasons.
The coach recalled a time a few years prior when McPherson contemplated leaving the sport.
“We had a long talk about it, and I gave her time and distance to think about it,” said Capener. “Fast forward and here we are. I, the staff and the team are glad she continued with us.”
The coach said McPherson stuck out as “a protector of our goalie,” adding she was always a positive influence in the locker room as well.
McPherson collected a goal and assist this season, five goals and 17 points over her career and never sat more than 10-minutes in penalties in a season. She was presented with a fourth varsity letter.
Another of the aggressive forwards was Lani Selje who developed from a first time skater to an accomplished forward during her time with Capener.
Lani Selje (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“I remember when she started (the game). Her parents were happy if she just practiced and didn’t play in the games. So, every game she would come with her helmet and sit on the bench. One day, she showed up and I asked where her gear was. I never seen anyone so excited, until her parents showed up that is,” Capener said adding they took a lot of pictures that day.
“Lani was always the team protector, a role I think she liked” said Coach Capener. “A physical style player who over her high school career developed a nasty hard shot.
Selje scored three goals this season and eight over her varsity career which wrapped up with 18 points and she also collected her fourth varsity letter.
Even as a first-year player Eryn Benson was noted as a great stay at home defender with a threatening shot in the offensive zone.
Eryn Benson (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
This season, Capener said he picked her as a team captain because “Everyone was comfortable talking with her. Always mild mannered and smiling, her plan was always solid and consistent.”
While noted primarily for her defensive expertise, Benson was valuable on the powerplay as she not only held the puck in at the line, but her hard shot created offensive opportunities.
Benson scored a pair of goals this season, giving her nine in her career and 33 points.
When it comes to the excitement a hard nosed physical player blessed with overwhelming breakaway speed can bring to a team, step up Bella Bowden.
Bella Bowden (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“Bella’s most consistent strength was her speed and determination,” said coach Capener. “She reminds me of those cross-country runners you see that just keep running until they drop over. She is the only player I’ve coached that approached hockey the same way.
“As the season went on, she got better about letting us know she needed a break.”
In motorcycle racing and some other sports, the winner or fastest racer from the previous season wears number one so it was fitting that she sported that number, usually identified with goaltenders, for the Lightning.
Her five goals and nine points this season gave her a career total of 31 goals and 45 points.
Before picking up Hobey Baker honors, Mallory Ruland got the the call as a senior from coach Capener.
Mallory Ruland (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
“All four years, Mallory has been that whatever you need me to do player. That is what made her a captain this year. She also made skating and stickhandling through traffic look effortless,” who excelled as a penalty killer.
Ruland notched 15 goals and 31 points, easily her best offensive season as she played 78 career regular season games, scoring 33 goals and collecting 62 points.
Finally, Capener honored Kayla Capener, before presenting her later as the obvious MVP winner.
“Kayla has been a leader on the ice for several years,” said the coach. “Her ability to fina the open lane for a pass is special. Seeing the game a few steps ahead doesn’t hurt either. She was a captain this year. Coach Blosenski said last year when Kayla is on the ice, she controls the flow of the game and for obvious reasons, I’m going to miss her on the ice next year.”
Kayla Capener (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
Before going through the honors and awards, Capener gave a rundown on the team’s performance this past season and announced a few interesting additions for the future. Also Coach Josh Cone presented certificates to the members of the junior varsity squad.
Listed below are some key points.
— The 26 players on the roster this season is the highest number in 15 years. Not bad for a team that had just two lines two seasons prior. As a result of the additions, the lock room was updated with salls added and Capener thanked the Baraboo School District for helping out the purchase of new jerseys for the players at a cost of $17,000.
— Coach Capener said new schedules for varsity and junior varsity teams should be released next month.
— A couple of interesting changes through the off season that should help players stay sharp is shared ice time with the Beaver Dam Golden Beavers, liking beginning in July in Beaver Dam. Capener said the format will likely see teams engaging in separate drills then coming together to scrimmage.
— The team will engage in some team building exercises with a ‘dry course,’ and ‘wet course’ at some point over the off season and said plans are in place for a Jet Boat ride at some point to begin the chemistry/bonding experience for the 2023-24 team.
SEASON REVIEW
Lightning players celebrated their first playoff win in a decade last month. (Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer)
They entered the 2022-23 season with three goals and achieved two of them, coming within a whisker of the third.
First, the team wanted to finish the season at or better than .500 and reached it with an overall 12-12 performance, the best record since the 2010-11 season.
The missed goal was hosting a playoff game and that is the lone setback for an otherwise amazing season. It will eat at some of the players, primarily seniors. “We know we had it in us,” said the coach.
Winning a playoff game was the final goal and the team accomplished that with the first playoff victory since 2011 in Sun Prairie a few weeks ago. Capener said the team came together for the biggest game in recent history and may have been encouraged by some unfortunate comments by the opposition coach that reached the locker room wall.
In 2017-18, the Lightning posted a 0-18 record with a total of 22 goals. They have improved each season and scored 80 goals in 2022-23.
The team is saying goodbye to some of the best players in team history, but a large contingent (Likely a similar number of players this fall) of young players eager to leave their mark on the program will continue the team’s rise in the years to come.
An up and down road for the RWD varsity Cheavers hit a final roadblock in Verona Friday (Feb. 17) against the top seeded Verona Wildcats.
The Cheavers earned its berth in the Section 3 quarterfinals with a 7-3 win against the Aquinas/Holmen Avalanche but that advanced them to the team’s toughest test of the season in Verona.
The Wildcats, wrapped up the regular season with a 17-5 record and wrapped up the Bight Eight Conference title with an 11-1 mark in division play.
The Cheavers represented the community well and while the CWildcats were ultimately too much for them, they overcame a slow start and skated with them through the final two periods.
It was all-Verona in the opening period though as the home team peppered RWD sophomore goaltender Alex Griebe with 23 shots and opened a 2-0 with goals from seniors Blake Herburger and Charlie Scadden.
After a 23-7 margin through the opening period though the Cheavers nearly matched the Wildcats in the middle frame, the home side with a 14-12 margin in favor of the hosts. Down the stretch the Cheavers threw all it had at the Wildcats, owning a 17-12 edge in shots in a scoreless final period.
Crusaders led 4-0 before the Cheavers hit the board with an all -senior effort – Logan DeMars pulling the trigger with assists for Lukas Vana and Caden Brandt.
The Cheavers entered the game as heavy underdogs and the effort was impressive despite the final result. The loss wrapped up a successful run for the senior players including DeMars, Vana, Caden and Carsen Brandt, John Scott, Nate Stando, Yevgeny Dedun, Caleb Eastman and Conner Putz.
The Cheavers finished with an overall record of 15-11.
Other Section 3 Quarterfinal matches saw second seeded Madison Edgewood Crusaders getting past Sun Prairie United 4-0 while third seed, Middleton Cardinals downed Waunakee Warriors and number five Sauk Prairie Eagles collecting a 5-4 edge on the road against fourth seeded Madison Memorial 1-0.
Goaltender Alex Griebe came up big for the Cheavers in Verona, particularly in the first period when he stopped all but two of 23 Wilcats shots. Photo Courtesy Jessica OthmerRWD senmior forward Caleb Eastman pressures Verona Wildcats freshman Boden Brotzman during their Sectional 3 Quarterfinal Friday night (Feb. 17). Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
The RWD Cheavers varsity hockey team didn’t pay much attention to recent trends when it opened the 2022/23 WIAA playoffs at Reedsburg Area Community Arena (RACA) Tuesday (Feb. 14) with a 7-3 win against the Aquinas/Holmen Avalanche.
It was a battle of middle seeds in the 13-team WIAA Section 3 with the eighth seeded Cheavers hosting the number nine Avs. While the RWD squad endured and up and down season, its longest streak a pair of three straight wins.
One of those streaks started on Dec. 30 with a 7-0 win against the Avs at the Bobber’s Classic Holiday Tournament.
However, following that game, the Avs got about as hot as a team can get, picking up wins in 10 of its final 11 games.
That didn’t impress the Cheavers though as they carried a 1-0 lead out of the first period but had the game in control with a 5-1 margin heading to the third.
Leading the offense were seniors Caden Brandt with two goals and two assists and John Scott who fired a pair and set up another. Seniors Logan DeMars and Nate Stando had other goals along with junior Andrey Tougas.
Caden Brandt collected four points to help his RWD Cheavers teammates roll to a 7-3 win in their WIAA playoff opener at RACA Tuesday (Feb. 14). Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
Senior Lukas Vana had a couple assists with others picked up by senior Carsen Brandt and junior Brady Baldwin.
Avs goals came from senior Ethan Meyer, freshman Owen Hoehn and sophomore Casey Keane.
The win advanced the Cheavers into the WIAA Section 3 quarter finals but they face a tough task, heading to Verona to take on the top seeded Wildcats.
One Sauk County team was destined to fall on the opening night of the WIAA postseason with fifth seeded Sauk Prairie Eagles hosting the 12th seeded Baraboo/Portage Thunderbirds on Tuesday (Feb. 14).
The Eagles prevailed at Sauk Prairie Area Recreation Center (SPARC) by an 8-1 score and pounding the Thunderbirds cage with 70 shots.
Burke Schweda was, as usual, the busiest player on the ice, kicking an awesome 62 shots but at the opposite end of the ice was Luke Mast, one of the top offensive players in the state this season.
Mast, a senior, played a part in all eight Eagles’ goals, scoring one and helping out on the other seven.
Luke Mast (left) had a hand in all eight goals for the Sauk Prairie Eagles as they moved past the Baraboo/Portage Thunderbirds 8-1 in their playoff opener, The Eagles advanced to play Madison Memorial Spartans in the quarter finals. This photo is from a home game earlier this season against RWD. Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
Four of those goals came from junior Colin Harrington who also added an assist while freshman Landon Froese notched a hat trick and set ups on three others. Sophomore Gunnar Nachreiner and freshman Josh Mast collected an assist apiece as well.
Kaden Stracke stopped all but one of the 14 shots he faced to collect the win in goal.
Senior Peyton Sloan fired the final Thunderbirds’ goal of the campaign on a feed from sophomore Colin Mattson.
This was likely the final game for the Thunderbirds for a while as there are discussions underway of the team merging with another program for the 2023/24 campaign. The Thunderbirds wrapped up 2022/23 with a 4-21 record
The Eagles advanced to the Sectional quarter-finals, scheduled to play the fourth seeded Madison Memorial Spartans at Madison Ice Arena Thursday night.
Spartans earned its spot in the quarters with a 9-0 win against DeForest Norskies on Tuesday night.
The Eagles and Spartans met at the Holiday tournament Dec. 30 and played to a 2-2 draw.
The RWD varsity hockey team has had an up and down season but wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 4-0 shutout against the visiting Ashland Oredockers Saturday afternoon at the Lake Delton Ice Arena with an effort it hopes will translate into a successful playoff run.
The Oredocckers (14-9-1, Independent) were no match for a fast-paced Cheavers team and the score would have been wider if not for the efforts of sophomore goaltender Liam Fish who kicked out 57 of 61 shots faced.
RWD junior Trey Lariden opened the scoring with 4:01 to play in the opening period – one of two for the Cheavers in the period and he added another one of two in the third with the middle period going scoreless.
Junior Brady Baldwin and senior Caden Brandt helped out on the first goal and Brandt set up the other one as well.
Junior Andrey Tougas and senior John Scott fired the other Cheavers’ goals with assists for senior Yevgeny Dedun, Scott, Carsen Brandt and Logan DeMars.
Sophomore goaltender Alex Griebe collected his seventh shutout of the season.
The Cheavers celebrated their senior players and managers as well as their parents during The the first intermission. Included in that group are forwards: John Scott, Caden Brandt, Yevgeny Dedun, Caleb Eastman, Nate Stando and Conner Putz, defensemen: Carsen Brandt, Logan DeMars and Lukas Vana and managers Katlin Elder, Olga Hernandez and Stella Scott.
Editor/Publisher Saukhockey.info The RWD Cheavers have lost eight times this season, (as of Jan. 24) but there hasn’t been much separation between them and the victors on most nights.
On Tuesday (Jan. 24) the Cheavers lost its third extra-time decision of the season as the host Onalaska/La Crosse Hilltoppers spoiled a great road game with a 4-3 overtime decision.
Of the nine defeats, three have been in extra time and the team has never been separated by more than two goals. At Onalaska, the Cheavers opened a 2-0 lead with two goals in 21 seconds in the second period but it was 2-1 entering the middle period and Onalaska pulled even at 3-3 just 21 seconds after the visitors moved in front for a second time in the final period.
Sophomore Matt Tillman gave the Hilltoppers its first and only lead of the contest with his goal 78 seconds into overtme.
Senior Caden Brandt and junior Andrey Tougas notched the Cheaver first period goals with assists for senior Carsen Brandt along with juniors Brady Baldwin and Trey Lariden.
The Cheavers will stay on the road with a tough assignement againt the undefeated (in conference play) Madison Edgewood Crusaders on Friday (Jan. 27) at LeBahn Ice Arena, then return home to face the DeForest Norskies in its Badger Challenge match on Monday.
Baldwin took a feed from Brandt and buries his second period goal putting the Cheavers in front again at 3-2. Sophomore goaltender Alex Griebe stopped 28 of 32 through the regulation periods and overtime segment. The Cheavers fired 26 at the oppositemend including a 2-1 margin through the brief overtime.
By Jim den Hollander Editor/Publisher Saukhockey.info The Baraboo/Portage Thunderbirds varsity hockey team couldn’t stay with the McFarland Spartans in a 7-0 shutout loss at Pierce Park Pavilion on Tuesday (Jan. 24).
Once again it took a valiant effort from junior goaltender Burke Schweda to keep the game relatively close as the visiting Spartans owned an overall edge of 54-18 on the shot counter, including a 24-7 margin out of the gate as the guests jumped into a 3-0 lead.
The Spartans added three more in the middle period and added just one on 13 third period chances. Juniors Caleb DeChambeau and Mason Pommerening paced the Spartans with two goals apiece. The loss is the third in a row for the Thunderbirds who fell to 3-17 on the season with four games remaining on the schedule, all at Pierce Park Pavilion.
That stretch begins on Tuesday (Jan. 31) with a visit from the Janesville Bluebirds from the Big Eight Conference followed Saturday by the DeForest Norskies from the Badger East. Next week Thunderbirds will wrap up the regular season with a game against Madison LaFollette/East Lakers on Feb. 7 and finally, its regular season and Badger West Conference finale against the Madison Edgewood Crusaders.
By Jim den Hollander Editor/Publisher Saukhockey.info With senior Luke Mast leading the way, the Sauk Prairie Eagles varsity hockey team wrapped up its 2022-23 Badger West Conference schedule on a winning note Tuesday (Jan. 24).
The Eagles wrapped up second place in the conference with an 8-0 win at Stateline Ice and Community Expo (SLICE) in Monroe, wrapping up an 8-2 Conference schedule and boosting its overall regular season record to 14-4-2.
The Eagles all but settled the game with four unanswered first period goals despite a narrow 13-10 edge on the shot counter. The Eagles wrapped up the win with two more in both the second and third periods. Mast, in the hunt for the overall state lead in scoring, put up four goals and set up another three to stay with the front runners. Freshman Landon Froese and sophomore Gunnar Nachreiner both added a goal and assist with other goals scored by juniors Steven Romaker and Colin Harrington. Junior Karsyn Banta chipped in two assists.
With the conference season wrapped up, the Eagles will finish the regular season, beginning Friday (Jan. 27) with a home game against the Muskego Co-Op Ice Force (9-12-0, 3-3 Classic Eight). Next week, the Eagles will complete its home schedule against Madison West from the Big Eight Conference Tuesday and DeForest Norskies from the Badger East Thursday.
The regular season finale will take place in Tomah Feb. 7.
By Jim den Hollander Editor/Publisher Saukhockey.info
The Badger Lightning snapped a three-game losing streak and kept its own string of perfection alive with an impressive defensive outing and a 4-0 shutout against the Beaver Dam Beavers at Pierce Park Pavilion Monday (Jan. 23) night.
Only some standout work between the pipes by Beaver Dam first year Emily Smedema prevented a more lopsided score as the host Lightning dominated to the tune of a 54-15 edge in shots overall.
The Lightning who have never been defeated by the Golden Beavers, busted out of its latest skid with an awesome work ethic, great speed and precision passing. While Smedema stopped everything she could see, all four Badger Lightning goals came from tenacious play on top of the blue paint.
The first two were scored by senior Bella Bowden, in her element with hardnosed physical play and refusal to give up on loose pucks.
The game winner came late in the opening period with a setup from sophomore Kayla Garbacz who also enjoyed a big night with assists on the first three goals. First year defender Paige Othmer collected an assist on the second one, scored 4:35 into the middle frame.
Later in the middle period, senior Mallory Ruland had a couple opportunities and stayed witht he puck until she finally jammed it home to widen the gap with assists for Garbacz and senior Kayla Capener.
Junior Reese Olson notched the final goal also on a second effort 4:47 into the third from Capener and Ruland. The conference win was crucial for the Lightning who face the conference leading Metro Lynx Thursday on home ice and make the trip to Viroqua Feb. 2 for what could be a crucial game with a home game in the post season on the line. In between, the Lightning will spend a busy weekend in Beaver Dam, playing three games in a tournament this weekend.
Taped interviews with Coach Capener and senior defender Lily McPherson would not convert to the proper format for this story.
Kayla Garbacz enjoyed a big night Monday with three assists against the Beaver Dam Golden Beavers. Photo Courtesy Jessica Othmer
Sauk Hockey 