For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk boys’ hockey team hosted Shawano at SARA Park on Tuesday, Dec. 8, and Shawano came away with a 9 to 5 win.

Head coach Chris Bembinster said his squad had a “much better showing” than in their season opener against Lakeland.

“We started real strong in the first, and let them creep back before the end of the period,” Bembinster stated. “Second period, we have some things to take care of. Third we played pretty well, just couldn’t capitalize on some scoring chances.”

Bembinster noted the team stayed competitive throughout the game.

“When we got down on the scoreboard, we kept battling in all three zones,” he stated. “This team will take shape soon. They have heart.”

The Tomahawk skaters hit the road for their next game, heading to Eagle River to take on Northland Pines on Thursday, Dec. 10, and the Eagles defeated the Hatchets by a score of 8 t o 1.

Multiple people without ties to Tomahawk complimented the team on their effort, Bembinster noted.

“This group is improving faster than expected. Of course we have some things to iron out, but the players are competing,” Bembinster said. “All we need now is a certain level of consistency throughout the game.  With this young team it may take a little time, but we are confident it will happen soon.”

The Hatchets were set to face Rhinelander twice this week, first traveling to their home ice yesterday (Tuesday, Dec. 15) before hosting the Hodags at SARA Park on Thursday, Dec. 17. Opening puck drop is at 7 p.m.