WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings played host to the Minnesota Squatch, coming up short in a tight match up Jan. 23 and dropping their Jan. 24 game 5-0. The Riverkings entered the weekend with their top goalie Deaken Shaw called up to the Casper Warbirds in the NCDC.
The Riverkings gave up a quick one as the Squatch picked up a loose puck from the skates of the Riverkings defensemen. Weston Schenkelberg was able to drive the net unimpeded and put the puck past Gruttadauria just 39 seconds after the puck drop. The Riverkings answered with a goal of their own at the 12:30 mark. Logan Byman found the net on an assist from Colin Ryan.
Neither team was able to capitalize, and scoring opportunities remained scarce throughout the second and into the third period. However, Jeb Gould made some nice moves in the crease and put the Squatch up with just 7:03 remaining in the game. The Riverkings pressed and eventually pulled their goalie, but could not get the tying goal. The Squatch took game one 2-1 in a very tight matchup.
Both teams were 0-for-3 on the power play. The Minn. Squatch goaltender Peyton Anderson faced 30 shots. Jackson Gruttadauria had 26 saves on 27 shots before leaving the game on an injury; Eli Graf had five saves on six shots in relief.
Game two against the Squatch was closer than the score would indicate, and the results left the Riverkings bruised and baffled. Despite several opportunities, the Riverkings could not find the answer for Squatch goaltender Peyton Anderson. The Riverkings gave up a power play goal in the first, another in the second and three goals in the third, including a second powerplay goal by the Squatch.
The Riverkings finished 0-for-1 on the power play while the Squatch were 2-for-6. The Minn. Squatch goaltender Peyton Anderson faced 34 shots. Jackson Gruttadauria had 44 saves on 49 shots.
The Riverkings (24-8-1-0) will be at home Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6-7, to face the Fresh Coast Freeze. The game is set for a 7 p.m. puck drop at the South Wood County Recreation Center.
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