For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Hatchet hockey team took on Rhinelander and Chequamegon late last month.
Rhinelander, game one
The Hatchets traveled to Rhinelander on Thursday, Dec. 23 and were defeated the Hodags 5 to 2.
Despite the loss, the Tomahawk skaters held their own against a tough opponent.
“We definitely shocked some people tonight,” Bembinster said after the game. “Rhinelander is arguably top three in our conference this year, and we kept this game close. Being we were tied going into the third means a lot for this group. Last year’s scores were 12-1 both games.”
Bembinster noted that the squad executed well in the passing game and competed until the final buzzer.
“We are building just as we hoped,” he said. “Now we need to close in on a few wins to help turn our season. It may be a loss, but things are looking up, without question.”
Chequamegon
Chequamegon visited Tomahawk on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and the Hatchets earned a 6 to 5 victory.
“We played a gritty, tough team in Chequamegon,” Bembinster stated after the game. “They had seven skaters and a goalie, and played very well.”
Bembinster noted that although it might not have been the team’s best game as a whole, the Hatchets were able to find a way to win with four seconds left on the clock.
“We will always have things to improve on, but we have a lot of fight in this group,” he said. “Hopefully we can find a way to get better every game from here on out.”
Rhinelander, game two
Tomahawk faced the Hodags for the second time in a week on Wednesday, Dec. 29, this time at SARA Park. Rhinelander was ultimately able to outscore the Hatchets to seal a 7 to 1 win.
Bembinster noted that a tournament was originally scheduled, but two teams cancelled.
“With a 1-7 loss today, it shows we have more to work on,” Bembinster said after the game, noting that Tomahawk’s final goal shows that the squad never backs down.
“This is a great group of kids that has to find the team inside the group,” he stated. “When we get that accomplished, there will be no looking back.”
The Hatchet skaters were set to travel to Merrill on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Medford will come to SARA Park on Thursday, Jan. 6 for a matchup that gets underway at 7 p.m.