Albert Lea’s boys’ ice hockey team wanted to score two wins in a row on Tuesday night and host a team from Austin without a win.

The Tigers used a great first period performance and a hat trick from senior Blake Ulve to gain an insurmountable lead and dominate the Packers to a 7-1 win.

Albert Lea scored four unanswered goals in the first half, all of which came in the last six minutes. Sophomore Joseph Yoon scored the first goal of the game, assisted by sophomore Tim Chalmers. The goal was a power play with 5:25 in the remaining time. Senior Logan Barr hit the net less than a minute later with a goal supported by Ulve.

All of Albert Lea’s goals were scored with at least one teammate with an assist. Barr talked about the importance of everyone being on the same page during the game.

“It’s definitely a confidence boost for everyone on the team to be involved in the goals we score,” said Barr. “We’re at that point in the season where chemistry builds up in everyone. Going forward, we just have to keep trusting our team-mates and good things will happen for the rest of the season. “

The Tigers ended the game three minutes ahead after freshman Spencer VanBeek scored a goal supported by Seniors Jack Waltman and Dylan Carlson. Just as the period was drawing to a close, Yoon scored his second goal of the game and fourth for the Tigers. Chamlers was there again.

Austin imposed two penalties during this period compared to Albert Lea’s. Sophomore Max Edwin was the only Tiger to request a penalty during that period – a two-minute cross-check penalty on the ninth minute.

Sophomore Dakota Jahnke was in the Tigers ‘goal and saved all seven Packers’ shots on goal. The Tigers scored a total of 23 shots on goal during this period.

Austin came out in the second half and closed the gap with a goal in the sixth minute. However, Albert Lea returned with a goal of his own about seven minutes later when Ulve scored his first goal in a power play backed by senior Logan Hacker.

The second period ended with the Tigers firing a whopping 39 shots on goal. Jahnke saved seven shots during this period.

Senior Caden Severtson was given an elbowing penalty and Chalmers was given a hooking penalty.

Albert Lea scored two more goals in the third half, closing any hope Austin had of a comeback. Ulve scored both goals in the third half and scored a hat trick. The first goal came in the third minute and was assisted by Yoon and Barr, the second in the 13th minute and was assisted by Yoon and Chalmers.

Jahnke saved another four shots during this period, which corresponds to a total of 18 saves in the game.

The Tigers play 4-2 this season and play again on Thursday night when they face the 3-3 Rochester Mayo Spartans.

About Tyler Julson

Tyler Julson reports on sports for the Albert Lea Tribune.


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