Max Hyberger had a hat trick and John Raisanen had a five-point game Tuesday as the Litchfield Dragons topped Wadena-Deer Creek 9-3 in their season opener.
WDC Head Coach Chris Holman wryly noted that the Dragons have had as many scrimmages this season as the Wolverines have had practices. A new ice arena building is under construction in Wadena. The former arena building was destroyed by an EF4 tornado on June 17, 2010. The Wolverines practiced and played their home games in Long Prairie last season.
The Dragons dominated the first period scoring five unanswered goals. The Dragons led 6-0 in the second period before the Wolverines finally tacked up a goal.
"We got better as the game went on," Holman said. "We're only skating two lines. We're doing the best with what we have."
Mitchell Swanson came up with a hat trick for the Wolverines and Christian Berg and Jake Krause both collected two assists.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wesley Janson kicked out 30 of 39 Litchfield shots.
The Wolverines are slated to host Breckenridge/Wahpeton in their first home game Dec. 5.
Litchfield 9, WDC 3
WDC 0 2 1 - 3
Litchfield 5 3 1 - 9
First Period
L: Garrett Impola (unassisted) 4:31
L: Max Hyberger (Taylor Gassman, John Raisanen) 10:06
ADVERTISEMENT
L: Raisanen (Jed Nikula) 10:23
L: Joe Lundin (Ethan Niemala) 11:14
L: Hyberger (Raisanan, Mike Spreiter) 12:19
Second Period
L: Kent Ryynanen (Cole O'Brien, Raisanen) 1:32
WDC: Mitchell Swanson (Christian Berg, Jake Krause) 5:33
L: Hyberger (Spreiter) 9:04
L: Brady Meyer (Spreiter, Hyberger) 12:07
ADVERTISEMENT
WDC: Swanson (Krause) 12:55
Third Period
L: Raisanen (Ryynanen) 1:20
WDC: Swanson (Berg) 3:51
Saves
WDC: Wesley Janson 30; Braeden Wahl 13
