We were excited to cover our first Squirt game of the year at Schwan's Super Rink, featuring Centennial and North Branch. The Vikings came into the game undefeated and with three highly touted players Joey Kerchner, Cody Croal, and Jack Harvey…these three put on a show last Spring at the YHH Squirtacular. Centennial features two kids with great hockey pedigree, Jordan Newpower and Michael Hamstad.

The game got off to a fast start, with each team pounding the opposing net with scoring opportunities.  Centennial got on the board first when Newpower fired a top shelf wrist shot past the North Branch goalie to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. With a Centennial player off for Hooking, North Branch got on the board when Joey Kerchner scored on a rebound.  Croal and Harvey got credit for the assists.  The score was tied 1-1 after 1, shots were 10-7 in favor of North Branch.

In the second period, Centennial really picked up their play. They used overall team speed to their advantage, pressuring the North Branch defenders in their zone to create opportunities. Early in the period Hamstad scored on a rebound of a Newpower shot to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead. A few minutes later, Centennial extended their lead to 3-1 when Carter Korkowski got a loose puck in front of the North Branch goal and fired a wrist shot past the sprawling Viking goalie Nate Gist. At the end of the second, Centennial lead 3-1. The Cougars had the advantage in shots 18-11. 

The next goal in the game would be pivotal.  North Branch began to pressure, but Gage Grubbs for Centennial began to save everything.  Eventually the Cougars would get the insurance goal they were looking for, when Logan Lartch streaked down the right hand side and fired a high wrist from a wide angle that beat Gist over the shoulder to give the Cougars a 4-1 lead.  The Vikings would battle back but to no avail.  Final score 4-1 in favor of Centennial. Final shots on goal were Centennial 23 and North Branch 18.

A well played and even game.  Centennial was able to capitalize on the chances they created.