Boys Hockey: Penalities burn Wingers again

A checking-from-behind penalty by the Red Wing boys hockey team in the third period led to the game-winning goal for North St. Paul as the Wingers lost 3-1 Friday at the Prairie Island Arena in Red Wing.

Red Wing junior Anthony Kimmes committed the penalty at 6 minutes, 47 seconds of the final period and served the rest of the game in the penalty box. He will face a two-game suspension as a result of the hit.

“We ended up in a familiar scenario,” Red Wing head coach Mike Belisle said. “It’s almost like a bad dream.”

Senior Mike Stegora returned for the Wingers (8-8-1, 5-3-1 Missota) after serving his own two-game suspension for a hit from behind against Holy Angels last week.

Stegora’s return made an instant impact for the Wingers as he provided the assist on the game’s opening goal by Jack Gorman at 2:42 of the first period.

Tyler Oliver scored for North St. Paul at 7:07 of the first to tie the game. Mark Meister added the game-winner for the Polars on the power play at 11:02 in the third period and Oliver added another goal at 14:38 for the 3-1 win.

Red Wing was outshot 42-26, including 18-9 in the second period, but junior Preston Blaney made 39 saves and kept the Wingers in the game. He continues to improve and held his own against a quick and aggressive North St. Paul team, Belisle said.

“You got to like that grow there,” he said. “He’s been our best penalty killer and that’s saying a lot because the rest of the group is doing a fantastic job. You can only bend so far before something’s going to give.”

Belisle said he wasn’t disappointed with the Wingers’ effort or the loss but changes need to be made. Red Wing has committed 16 penalties in the past three games.

“You make a change that’s going to hopefully change the culture,” Belisle said. “Remove the conflict that’s causing the problem … it’s affecting the outcome of some important games.”

The Wingers will attempt to rebound against Chaska Tuesday in Chaska.

Tags: boys hockey, red wing, sports, prep