In five games this season against five opponents ranked in the top 10 in the state polls, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team has lost by a total of five goals. The latest loss came Friday night when the Jacks fell 3-2 to Centennial in Cloquet.
"I was extremely pleased with the way all of our kids played against Centennial," remarked CEC coach Dick Bartholdi. "It may have been the best we have ever played in our nine-year history for at least two periods."
At the end of the second period, the Jacks held a 21-5 shots advantage over Centennial and at the end of the game they held a 31-14 edge in shots on goal.
After a scoreless first period, the Lumberjacks finally took a 1-0 lead on a goal mouth scramble by Jessica Baublitz with an assist going to Whitney Anderson at the 16:43 mark of the period.
Things looked even brighter for the Jacks when Danielle Beck scored from Baublitz on another scramble in front of Centennial net minder Cassi Carpenter, who was brilliant in goal.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Both our goals were scored on scrambles in front of their goalie," mentioned Bartholdi. "We were floating along fine with a two-goal lead until we had a penalty and they scored on their power play."
The goal by Centennial was scored at 9:28 of the third period by Cassie Hoyez with Jocie Slattery assisting.
"After that goal and into overtime it was race horse hockey," recalled Bartholdi. "It was fun for the fans, at least from Centennial."
Things got a whole lot more fun for Centennial when Amanda Dalluge scored with just 55 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 1-1.
Centennial finally ended the drama at 5:07 into overtime when Jenna Travis scored from Slattery for a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over CEC.
"It was emotionally difficult to take since this is the fifth time," explained Bartholdi. "In all those games we have had great chances to win, but didn't. We talk frequently about defending a lead, but when the puck is in your zone, stuff happens."
The Jacks have lot of bright spots right now as the defenders are getting better and better and gaining valuable experience. All three forward lines are putting pressure on the opposition and goaltender Sarah Gustafson has been very strong in goal.
CEC will play in the Schwann's Cup over the holidays.
