The WarHawks spent this past weekend on the road and ended up with a split. Goaltender Zach Ortalano got the start on Saturday at Alexandria and beat the Blizzard 4-1. The WarHawks scored first as Gunnar Sibley scored 3 minutes into the game for the early lead. The Blizzard scored with just over 2 minutes to play in the 1st and it was tied at 1 through the first period. In the 2nd, Jordan Fields scored at the 4:38 mark with the go ahead goal. The Blizzard had some power play chances but the WarHawks penalty kill was on point going 6 for 6 on the penalty kill for the game. The 3rd period was scoreless for most of it until Sibley got his 2nd of the game shorthanded and Luke McCarthy added an empty net goal for the 4-1 win. Goaltender Zach Ortalano made 29 saves in the win and Sibley’s 2 goals give him 11 for the season.
It was a quick turnaround as the boys headed to Mason City for a Sunday afternoon game against the Toros. Coach Kyle Christianson decided to stay with the hot hand and Zach Ortalano started the game. The game was pretty wide open to start and each team had some good scoring chances. The Toros capitalized first scoring with just over 3 minutes to play in the 1st and they led 1-0. The WarHawks could advantage of a power play chance early in the 2nd. Jake Hosszu scored his first with the WarHawks this season and it was tied at 1. Three minutes later Luke McCarthy scored on a breakaway to get the first lead of the hockey game. Midway through the 2nd Mason City tied it back up at 2. With 55 seconds left in the 2nd Luke McCarthy took a breakaway in, the save was made but Sam Holm was there to bury the rebound and it was 3-2 after 2. Into the 3rd period, the WarHawks were able to hold on the penalty kill, but couldn’t take advantage of a couple of power play opportunities. Mason City tied the game up at 3 with 6 minutes to play. The game stayed that way and went into overtime. The WarHawks started with a couple of scoring chances but then an odd man rush the other way and were able to bury the game winner. Even with the loss, the WarHawks did earn 3 of 4 points over the weekend.
The WarHawks are next at home this Friday against the Granite City Lumberjacks. The first 200 fans will receive foam fingers courtesy of game sponsors Remodeling Solutions in Willmar. The puck drops at 7:10, doors open at 6:10. Get your tickets at willmarwarhawks.com.
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