Welcome to the Rambow Recap, a look at the weekend’s action sponsored by Rambow.
The Willmar WarHawks played two games on the road this weekend to start the season at 1-1. The WarHawks beat the Steel Friday in New Ulm 4-1 and lost to the Granite City Lumberjacks 9-2 on Saturday.
On Friday, the scoring started early with New Ulm getting their lone goal within the first three minutes of play. The WarHawks answered with a Jack Willis highlight reel goal assisted by Spencer Platt and Louis Anders. Ethan Light scored at the 10:30 mark in the first with assists by Willis and Platt, giving both helpers their second point of the night.
Willmar started the second period with a Tyler Corbid goal assisted by Austin Jozwick and Ethan Mock at the 1:36 mark. The defense played well, only allowing 4 Steel shots in the period.
The game came to a close with a Nic Gustafson empty net goal, making the score 4-1 with 1:36 left to play.
Goalie Luke Weberg had a phenomenal night in net saving 22 of 23 shots marking a solid return for the team captain.
“Friday was a lot of positives,” said head coach, Kirk Olimb. “The boys battled really hard and we felt we deserved that win. We came out with the 4-1 W on the road in the opener, so you (have to) love that.”
On Saturday, the WarHawks lost to the Lumberjacks 9-2 in Granite City. Granite City opened up the scoring halfway through the first period with four unanswered goals.
The WarHawks answered in the second with a Mock goal from Bridger Dekraai. Granite City responded with two more goals in the second.
The Lumberjacks added to their tally early in the third period. Willmar scored on a Corbid goal from Cayden Sunde and Dekraai. Granite City sealed the win with two goals late in the period.
The stories of the game were power play goals and last-minute scoring for Granite City. “We ran into a really tough Granite City team,” said Olimb. “We gave up four power play goals so that’s something we can work on is our penalty kill.” The Lumberjacks also scored five of their goals within the last minute of the periods. Coach Olimb stated, “I think the score wasn’t completely indicative of the play, although, you’ve got to take your hat off to them, they’re a good team.”
The WarHawks look to bounce back on Saturday as they take on the rival Blizzard Saturday, October 10th, in Alexandria.
