Waupaca wins conference opener
By Greg Seubert
The Waupaca boys’ hockey team hit the road for its Great Northern Conference opener Dec. 2 and returned home with a 3-2 win over Antigo.
The Comets also handed Marshfield a 3-1 loss Nov. 30 in the home opener at the Waupaca Ice & Expo Center.
Waupaca 3, Antigo 2
Waupaca took a 1-0 lead into the second period after Evan Saunders’ goal.
Antigo’s Paden Michalik tied the game in the third period, but Waupaca answered with goals from Braeden Ryan and Alex Gusmer. Garrett Husnick scored for Antigo for the game’s final goal.
The Comets outshot the Red Robins 34-33. Waupaca’s Hagen Rasmussen finished with 31 saves.
Waupaca 3, Marshfield 1
Waupaca scored the game’s first three goals and ended up handing the Tigers their first loss.
Ryan Mace gave the Comets a 1-0 lead in the first period before Levi Olson and Sawyer Mielke found the net in the second period.
Payton Smith scored four minutes into the third period for Marshfield.
Rasmussen saved 32 of the Tigers’ 33 shots, while Marshfield’s Cole Halvorsen finished with 25 saves.
The Comets will face D.C. Everest Tuesday, Dec. 7, in Weston and will host Rhinelander Friday, Dec. 10 at the Expo. Waupaca will also host Wisconsin Rapids Tuesday, Dec. 14. All three games will start at 7 p.m.