The Warhawks took advantage of their home ice this weekend with wins against Alexandria and New Ulm. Friday night the Warhawks obliterated the Blizzard 7-1 while outshooting them 55-21. Willmar continued their fast starts with a goal form Jeremiah Konkel :14 seconds into the game off assists from Kaleb Miller and Elbridge DeKraai. Three minutes later that line scored again, this time Miller scored with assists from Konkel and DeKraai. Willmar extend their lead scoring three goals in the second period. Gavin Uckele scored his first of the season on the power play with assists going to Dylan Gajewski, and Alex Kupka. Michael Sweetland scored his 12th of the season midway through the second for a 4-0 lead with assists from Jack Willis and Ethan Light. Lewis Rowan then gave the Warhawks a 5-0 lead with his second of the year off assists from Uckele, and Isaiah Thomas. Willmar tacked on two more in the 3rd including Uckele’s and Sweetland’s second of the game to cap off the 7-1 victory. Will Pinney stopped 20 of 21 shots for the victory in net. Gavin Uckele led the team with a 3 point night. Kaleb Miller, Michael Sweetland, Jeremiah Konkel, and Elbridge DeKraai all had multi-point games.
On Saturday, Willmar hosted New Ulm and again played with the lead when Lewis Rowan scored his 3rd of the year on the power play midway through the first period. Hunter Bjorge and Dylan Gajewski, assisted. Moments later Rowan scored again with assists from Gajewski and Isaiah Thomas. Leading 2-1 after one, the Warhawks built their lead in the second. Gavin Uckele scored a shorthanded goal off an assist from Michael Sweetland, and Alex Kupka scored his 6th goal in his short time with the team for a 4-1 lead midway through the game. Austin Jozwick and Cole Wigestrand assisted. Leading 4-2 later in the 3rd Wigestrand scored his 5th of the year to cap off the night and seal the 5-2 victory. Lukas Haugen made 22 saves for the victory in goal. Dylan Gajewski, Austin Jozwick, Alex Kupka, Lewis Rowan and Cole Wigestrand all had 2 point nights.
Willmar (10-10 – 20 pts) is alone in 2nd place in the West. The Warhawks will host Alexandria (8-11-1 – 17pts) on Saturday night at 7:10. Tickets are available at tickets.willmarwarhawks.com
