Ice Hawks close 2007 with wins
Minnesota extends first-place lead to four points

January 2, 2008

The Minnesota Ice Hawks ended 2007 on a winning note, picking up two victories last weekend to extend their first-place lead over the Wisconsin Mustangs to four points.

MJHL leading-scorer Ryan Goodmanson recorded a hat trick and two assists on Saturday as the Ice Hawks downed the St. Louis Lightning, 7-1.   Bryce Stevens added two goals, including the game-winner, while goaltender Ricky Doyen turned aside 25 shots.

Minnesota celebrated New Year’s Eve with a 4-3 overtime triumph over the Mustangs.  Shawn Wick tallied in the extra session for the Ice Hawks and added an assist, while Jay Gorman struck for two goals of his own.  Doyen made 50 saves to pick up his second win of the weekend.

The Minnesota Owls also captured an overtime win last weekend, a 3-2 decision over St. Louis on Friday.  Zach Wohlers notched the game-winning goal and added an assist, and goaltender Phil Poeschel stopped 20 shots.  Eric Stumpf and David Coleman scored for St. Louis.

The Twin Cities Northern Lights picked up two more wins last weekend, starting with an 11-4 drubbing of the Lightning on Sunday.  Artie Peckskamp (game-winner) and Shawn Oelke both rang up hat tricks in the victory, with Britton Smith adding two goals and three assists.  In goal, Matt Toter steered aside 34 shots.  Tyler Tesson connected for two goals for St. Louis.

Peckskamp, Erik Olson and Moises Abarca scored for the Lights as they took down the Owls on New Year’s Eve, 3-1.  Toter made 38 saves between the pipes.  Justin Neis scored the Owls’ lone goal.

The St. Paul Lakers were able to slow Twin Cities’ charge on New Year’s Day, as they defeated the Lights, 7-4.  Tim Goth struck for two goals and an assist for the Lakers, while Cody Carlisle added four assists.  In goal, Zak Reneau and Dan Jobson combined to stop 56 shots.