After taking an early lead, East Grand Forks Senior High co-head coach Tyler Palmiscno was worried about the Green Wave entering a slump.
"We took an undisciplined penalty," he said. "It could have been a turning point for them. Turns out, it was one for us."
That's because Senior High forward Zack Lawdermilt netted a shorthanded goal following the penalty to spark the Green Wave to a dominant 9-2 Section 8A boys hockey win over Park Rapids at the East Grand Forks Civic Center on Friday night.
"The goal was to play a high-tempo game," Palmiscno said. "We were able to do that for the majority of the game."
Lawdermilt, a senior who missed a large portion of last season with an injury, finished with three goals and an assist to pace the Green Wave offense. He started the scoring for the Wave by avoiding two defenders on the right wing to score an early power-play goal in the first period.
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"I just skated by," Lawdermilt said. "I waited until (the defender) stepped over and the puck went in."
For most of the first half, Park Rapids found themselves on the trailing edge of the action.
"Speed is a skill," Palmiscno said.
Sophomore center Noah Macpherson poked in a rebound though traffic to score for the Panthers early in the second period. The Green Wave answered back just 13 seconds later to maintain their edge.
"We were the quicker team," Lawdermilt said. "We won battles to the puck, won our footraces and played a complete game."
Despite Lawdermilt's four-point night, scoring was spread out evenly. "Honestly, I thought we had nine forwards that did well tonight," Palmiscno said. "It's evident on the score sheet."
A much more subdued third period unfolded when Park Rapids defender Benson Ringle knocked in a one-timer off a pass from senior forward Levi Erickson. Kolton Aubol would answer for Senior High, tipping in a pass across the crease from Dixon Bowen.
Palmiscno said there's still plenty of work to do, despite the lopsided victory.
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"Sure we have some high skilled guys," he said, "but we also have some guys who are inexperienced in varsity play. I hope we continue to improve."
The Green Wave face Totino-Grace on the road tonight.
