MANKATO — The Austin Packers boys hockey team snapped a four-game losing skid with an 8-1 win over Mankato East on Thursday night.
Scoring three goals in the first period, the visiting Packers exploded for their highest offensive output of the season. The road win gave the Packers a sweep of the season series against the East Cougars.
Marcus Stoulil got the scoring party started for the Packers with the opening goal of the night at 3:13 into the game. Less than two minutes later, Jaret Retterath scored on the power play to give the Packers a 2-0 lead.
After the home team cut the deficit to 2-1, the visitors got the goal back. Retterath scored again and it was a 3-1 lead after the first period.
With the defense playing well and not giving up another goal, the Packers offense added to the lead in the second period. Ethan Larson got the goal as Josh Hart recorded his third assist of the game.
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Not content with a three-goal lead after the second period, the Packers offense poured it on. The Austin boys scored four goals in the third period to turn the game into a rout.
Only two minutes into the second period, Stoulil scored on the power play. Hart got his fourth assist on the power play tally and then, scored his own goal a couple of minutes later.
More offense followed as Stoulil got his third goal at the six-minute mark. The hat trick from Stoulil made it a 7-1 lead and Hart added the final goal.
Austin (4-16-0) travels to Sleepy Eye on Saturday afternoon for a non-conference game.
AUSTIN 8, MANKATO EAST 1
Austin 3 1 4 — 8
Mankato 1 0 0 — 1
First period— Austin, Marcus Stoulil (Preston Moe, Devin McCune), 3:13. Austin, Jaret Retterath (Josh Hart), 5:00 (pp). ME, Austin Willert, 7:51. Austin, Retterath (Hart), 9:16.
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Second period— Austin, Ethan Larson (Hart), 6:34.
Third period— Austin, Stoulil (Hart, Retterath), 2:06 (pp). Austin, Hart (Retterath), 4:08. Austin, Stoulil (Tyler Stevens, Moe), 6:03. Austin, Hart (Retterath, Larson), 11:00.
Shots-on-goal— Austin 14-8-11—33. East 5-3-3—11.
Goalies— Austin, Rainer Londino-Green (11 shots, 10 saves). East, Lucas Weihe (33 shots, 25 saves).
Penalties— Austin 11-22, East 8-16.
