by John Molene

Host Park hung with favored Stillwater for two periods in its season opener Thursday before fading down the stretch in a 5-1 loss to the visiting Ponies.

Park trailed just 1-0 after the first period and 2-1 after two in boys’ hockey at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena. But the Wolfpack tired down the stretch, giving up three goals in the decisive third period.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Park varsity head coach Jay Moser. “I was just hoping that the guys work hard and stay positive and just get used to – a lot of them aren’t used to this speed and at this level. We have four or five guys that haven’t really played much or at all at a varsity level. You’ve got to get your feet wet and learn from it. We had two good periods and hopefully we’ll draw on those positives and work on the negatives and hope to get better.”

Stillwater led 2-0 late in the second period when Park scored to cut the margin to a single goal. Junior Nathan Donlon scored on an even-strength situation with assists coming from junior Michael Schult and senior Dalton Anderson.

The Ponies went up 4-1 with a pair of mid-period goals in the third period, and then added insult to injury with an empty net goal at the 15:04 mark.

Stillwater doubled the offense on the Wolfpack Thursday, attempting 25 shots on goal to just 12 for Park. Under siege for large stretches, Park goalie Conner Nelsen totaled 20 saves in the net.

Still, Moser liked what he saw from several players.

“There were a couple young guys – I thought Charlie Gutzman played better than I was expecting based on what I’ve seen in practice. And I thought Dalton Anderson, as a senior I’ve seen him plenty, but he played with a little more tenacity and intensity than he sometimes does and he’s proven to be effective. But overall it was a lot of guys just trying to get things figured out first game of the year and we’re not real unhappy with anyone.”

Park’s inexperience showed at times, such as having four power plays but failing to score on any during the contest.

Park, now 0-1 on the season, hosts another talented Suburban East Conference team Tuesday, Jan. 28, when Cretin- Derham Hall visits for a 7:30 p.m. game.

“We get to start off with two of the better teams in the conference, and it’s not going to get an easier on Tuesday,” said Moser. “You might as well jump in the fire. We don’t have the opportunity scrimmage this year and get guys acclimated on a little more reasonable level. SO it is what it is and we have to respond.”