For the Tomahawk Leader

RHINELANDER – The Tomahawk Hatchet hockey team traveled to Rhinelander on Tuesday, Dec. 15 and fell to the Hodags by a score of 12 to 1.

Head coach Chris Bembinster noted that the young and inexperienced team has made progress as the season has gone on.

“We have improved this year already, but we played a great team in Rhinelander tonight,” Bembinster stated after the game. “The best part about this team so far is they don’t quit until the end of the game. We have a lot to learn, but we are confident in this group. Tough to lose, but have to take the lessons and build every day.”

Two days later, on Thursday, Dec. 17, the Hatchets hosted the Hodags at SARA Park and were again defeated 12 to 1.

Bembinster pointed out that although the young squad got out to a slow start, the team improved as the game went on.

“We still need to find a way to channel emotions into the game properly,” he said. “We will find a way to improve throughout the rest of this season!”

The Hatchets hosted Oshkosh at SARA Park on Saturday, Dec. 19, where Oshkosh came away with a 14 to 0 victory.

Bembinster said that although the two teams looked comparable, the Hatchets were outplayed by their opponents.

“We had some signs of life, just couldn’t capitalize on any of those chances today,” he said after the game. “We will move on to next week where, we have back to back games to prepare for.”

The Hatchets were set to host Ashland on Monday, Dec. 21 before facing Antigo at home the following day, and are back in action on Tuesday, Dec. 29, when Marshfield comes to town for a 7 p.m. matchup at SARA Park.