The West Bend Power traveled to Blaine, MN for the annual NA3HL Showcase December 15-17 and came away with three wins and 6 points in the standings.
The Power opened Showcase play on Sunday, 12/15 against the Norwich Sea Captains of the East Division and took game one with a 4-2 victory. Teagan Scheurer got the scoring started with his 8th goal of the season at 2:01 of the first period off assists from Jackson Hoem (15) and Tommy Kundinger (9). Lucca Weinkauf tallied the second goal less than 30 seconds later off assists from Blake Mitchell (8) and Danny Jurcich (3) for the 2-goal lead after one period of play. Norwich scored twice in the second period to tie things up after two periods of play. Jackson Hoem put the Power ahead 3-2 with his 17th goal of the season at 6:22 of the third period off assists from Teagan Scheurer (17) and Hunter O’Neal (4). Evan Burchardt sealed the win with his first goal as a Power at 5:08 off assists from Brayden Graning (8) and Quinn O’Connor (7). Both teams had 27 shots on goal. Owen Soderholm recorded the win in the Power net stopping 25 of 27 shots.
Monday, 12/16 the Power faced the Sheridan Hawks of the Frontier Division. The Power scored once in each period and Adam Prokop recorded his third shutout since joining the team for a 3-0 win. The Power outshot the Hawks 57-23. Odin Klebba got the game’s first goal at 5:17 of the first period off assists from Brayden Graning (9) and Teagan Scheurer (18). Tommy Kundinger scored a power play goal, his 6th goal of the season at 2:16 of the second for the 2-0 lead. Kundinger was assisted by Odin Klebba (12) and Lucca Weinkauf (11). Trace Schumlas scored the Power’s third goal of the game, a shorthanded goal during a 5-minute penalty kill and his third of the season at 3:39 of the third period off assists from Quinn O’Connor (8) and Oliver Schroeder (14). Adam Prokop had 23 saves in the victory.
Tuesday, 12/17 the Power closed out the Showcase with a 3-2 victory over the West Division Minnesota Wilderness. It was the Wilderness who struck first, scoring at the 15:10 mark of the first period for the early lead, but the Power answered twice. Quinn O’Connor scored his 4th goal of the season at 13:38 off a Drew Garipay (6)) assist and just 24 seconds later Tommy Kundinger scored his 7th of the season to give the Power the lead. Kundinger was assisted by Danny Jurcich (4). The Wilderness tied things up with a power play goal at 14:53 of the second period, but Mike Sobaski was able to answer for the Power at 11:02 with what proved to be the game-winning goal at 11:02. There was no scoring in the third period. Power goaltenders Ben Glaseman and Connor Doyle split duties in net for the win. Glaseman had 14 saves and Doyle had 10 saves.
The Power sit in first place in the Central Division at 20-7-1-0 and 42 points.
“Proud of the toughness and willingness to battle by this group,” said Power head coach Jason Woods. “To go to Wausau, play a game, head directly to the showcase and go 4-0 in 5 days is a testament to their character. We have been to Rochester, Alexandria, Wausau and now Blaine in the last 19 days. 2039 miles on a bus in 19 days and to go 6 and 1 is a pretty strong look at our character. Our group is looking forward to a break but even more looking forward to being back home on the 27th and 28th in front of a packed house at KMIC,” added Woods.
UP NEXT
After heading home for a holiday break, the Power return to home ice at Kettle Moraine Ice Center Friday, December 27 and Saturday, December 28 to take on the St. Louis Jr Blues at 7:30pm. for Youth Hockey and Skate with the Power nights sponsored by Kewaskum Family Dentistry. On Friday the 27th, all youth hockey players wearing their jersey will receive free admission. Saturday the 28th is the popular Skate with the Power night. Fans can bring their own skates or rent them for free and skate with the Power players after the game. The Great Outdoor Supper Club will be offering pre-game meal options before the games. Friday the 27th is Shrimp Boil Night. For $20/plate you’ll get shrimp, red potatoes, corn on the cob and cornbread. Saturday the 28th is Picnic Night. $4/sandwich for hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst.
