On Saturday, December 12, Millard West Hockey took on Lincoln East at Lincoln, both teams have been struggling and a win for the Wildcats would give them some much needed momentum.

This game was originally scheduled for November 14, but was canceled due to COVID-19 related issues. This was the first time the two teams met this year. The Wildcats entered the game with a 3-6 record, while Lincoln East entered the game at 0-3 looking for their first win.

“We have had a somewhat disappointing season so far after a first place finish last year,” junior Calvin Halverson said. “We just lost a lot of key players from last year’s team.”

In the first period, the Wildcats scored early. Junior Kyle Sheldon put in a goal off of an assist from sophomore Addison Green. Green received the puck from the goalie and passed up the rink to set up Sheldon to take a shot from the offside line and score. Millard West had a power play late in the first period after a foul by the Capitols but were unable to score off it.

Lincoln East answered quickly in the second by putting a goal in for themselves. The Wildcats struck back fast when junior Clayton Kirha took the puck from the half line and was able to sneak the puck past the goalie and get it in the net. Sophomore goalie Anderson Nikoydym made some key saves in the second, saving a fast break shot that helped the Wildcats keep the lead. At the end of the second period, the Cats had a 2-1 lead with one period left.

In the third period, Green was able to put one in himself after an assist. He took it himself, and he shot it in the upper corner where the goalie had no chance for the save. The Capitals got a power play after Halverson had a tripping called on him. They were unable to capitalize with an extra man on the ice. The Wildcats won the game 3-1.

The Cats played good on both offense and defense. They put in three goals, but also had many opportunities to score. They controlled possession for most of the game. The Wildcats also played good defense only allowing 20 shots, and their defenders stopped key players on the Capitols.

“This was a good team win,” junior Kray Grennan said. “We are starting to win those close games and feel like we can win every game on our schedule.”

Sophomore goalie Anderson Nikoydym also got the job done in goal only allowing one goal on 20 shot attempts which gave him a .950 save percentage on the game. 

The season for Millard West didn’t start the way they wanted it to. Lately, they are starting to pick things up with scoring more goals and creating more opportunities for better shots and playing defense while allowing less shots for the other teams.

“We started off this season slow,” Halverson said. “But we are finally picking up some quality wins late in the season.”

After starting the season 1-5, the Wildcats have won three out of their last four games. Their next game is Sunday, December 20, against 5-5-1 Papillion at Tim Moylan Tranquility Iceplex.