Ranger boys’ hockey wins twice

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A disciplined Brookings Rangers boys’ hockey team picked up two wins in South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association action on Friday in Brookings, and Saturday in Pierre.

Friday

 Brookings 2, Sioux Falls (1) 0

BROOKINGS – The Rangers were recipients of 14 power play opportunities as Sioux Falls racked up 62 minutes worth of penalties – including four game misconducts. The Flyers had just two power play chances as Brookings had just two penalties totaling four minutes.

Brookings only converted one of those man-advantage situations into a goal, but Kade Brecher stopped all 13 shots he faced in goal to necessitate only needing a single goal as Brookings defeated their rivals to the south, 2-0.

After a scoreless first period, Zach Struck broke the ice on the power play with 3:15 left in the second period to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Brody Powers picked up the assist.

Breck Hirrschoff doubled the Brookings lead to the eventual 2-0 winning margin with 3:39 to play, scoring on a breakaway.

The Rangers outshot Sioux Falls 30-13.

Saturday

 Brookings 4, Oahe 1

PIERRE – Talon Richter’s goal just 27 seconds into the game set the tone for Brookings as they completed an unblemished weekend by defeating the Oahe Capitals, 4-1.

Richter’s goal came off an assist from Struck, who also had the helper on a Hirrschoff power play goal near the end of the period that gave the visitors a 2-0 lead heading to the dressing room for the first intermission.

The Capitals cut the lead in half near the midpoint of the second period, and it would remain 2-1 until nearly five minutes had elapsed in the third period.

Ashton Witte’s power play goal came unassisted and gave Brookings a 3-1 lead, which they extended to 4-1 two minutes later when Hirrschoff scored his second with an assist to Richter.

Oahe racked up 36 minutes of penalties, providing eight power play chances for Brookings which they converted two of. The Rangers had just one penalty in the game.

Brecher made 25 saves on 26 shots for the win.

Brookings outshot Pierre 32-26.

The Rangers are tied atop the league standings with Rushmore with 18 points as both teams stand at 9-0 in league games. The two teams square off this weekend in Rapid City with games on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.