Bulldogs drop two hockey tilts

The Nikiski hockey team lost a pair of games at the Jason Peterson Memorial Ice Rink Friday and Saturday.

Friday, the Bulldogs lost 8-3 to Monroe. Saturday, Nikiski lost 8-3 to Glennallen.

Nikiski coach Donald Torres said the loss to Glennallen featured several bright spots for his squad. The last time Nikiski (0-12 overall) played Glennallen, the Bulldogs lost 11-0.

This time, Nikiski skated to a 1-1 tie in the first period and a 2-2 tie in the third period, but the Bulldogs were outscored 5-0 in the second period. Torres added that the improvement came even though Nikiski was skating with just 12 players and a goalie. Five of the Nikiski players are freshman.

Nikiski's goal in the first period came from freshman Justin Spotts. It was the second goal of his high school career.

Alexa McClure, a junior, scored first for the Bulldogs in the third period. The goal, which came on a rebound, was the first goal scored by a girl in Nikiski's history. Israel Blatchford, who was triple-shifting at times due to the lack of players, scored Nikiski's last goal.

For Glennallen, Travis Farmer and Danny Becker each had hat tricks and Bjorn Wilmoth had two goals.

Torres gave special praise to senior Reece Parrish. He was the only senior skater for the Bulldogs Saturday and Torres said he finished off his career with a gritty effort.

Torres also said his short bench meant the first extended playing time for Jens Tiesel, a German exchange student. Tiesel had never skated before this season, yet Torres said Tiesel did a good job of getting in proper position on offense and defense.

Nikiski travels to Delta Junction for a game at 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.

Homer 11, Glennallen 2

The Mariners picked up a Greatland Conference victory Friday at the Kenai Multipurpose Facility to improve to 9-1-1 in conference and 13-5-2 overall.

Erik Rasmussen, Alex Trieweiler and Justin Adams each had two goals to lead the Mariners, while Beau Greenwald, Adam Trieweiler, Patrick Pozzi, Keith Bell and Scott Owen added goals for Homer.

Homer coach John Butcher said Glennallen was tough as nails, but also said the Panthers only had nine players. This allowed the Mariners to wear down Glennallen.

Homer now travels north for a pair of games against Houston Friday and Saturday.