The Manitowoc United JV hockey team played their ever home hockey game last night against the WNS co-op.
Manitowoc United put on a great showing at the Manitowoc County Ice Center last night but came up just short against the co-op of Whitefish Bay, Nicolet, and Shorewood High Schools.
In the end, Manitowoc fell 8-7.
It was a back-and-forth battle all night long, with WNS striking first only 2 minutes into the contest.
However, five minutes later, Ethan Christiansen tied it up.
Christensen put United ahead with another goal just under a minute later as well.
Benson Dickrell, Josee Busse, Reed Neuser, and Myles Dekok, each tailed scores throughout the game, but WNS would add six more as well.
Then, with 2:34 left on the clock, Dickrell worked his way through both defenders to score on a breakaway and tie it up at 7 apiece.
However, a WNS powerplay in the final minute proved too much, and the Storm would score with only 14 seconds to go to secure the win.
Despite the loss, coach Mark Hinz said he is very proud of the grit his team showed.
“They kept their foot on the gas the whole way through,” he said. “I am really really proud of the way they kept grinding and fighting the whole game.”
The stands were filled to watch the first home game for the newly formed squad, which Hinz said was good to see.
“I’m so proud of all the people that have helped make this possible this year,” he said. “To see that support and hear them cheering is really special.”
United falls to 0-3 to start the season and will return to the Manitowoc County Ice Center next Friday for a game against the Shawano Hawks.
The puck will drop at 7:00 p.m.