The OPRF Hockey Club saw its overall record drop to 6-11-1 with two hard-fought losses last week.
On Saturday, the Huskies played a rematch against Naperville North at All Seasons Arena. The last time the two teams met Naperville North came away with a lop-sided 7-2 victory. This time was different as the Huskies battled the top team in the Metro West only to fall 3-2.
The first period was evenly played with both teams taking chances, although Naperville North outshot OPRF by a 2-1 margin. The period was marred by a delay of game penalty against the Huskies that came with 2:59 left. The ensuing power play led to the first score of the game by Naperville at the 1:39 mark.
The Huskies had a one-man advantage for nearly the first four minutes of the second period but were unable to capitalize. However, with 2:51 left in the second, Phil O’Connor scored against North goalie Erich Westergren to even things up. Matt McDonnell assisted on the goal.
Exactly 25 seconds later, Al McDonnell scored after a pass from Masin Ouksel. The period ended with OPRF up 2-1.
The third period was intense as North fought back, first to tie with 6:20 left in the game. Naperville then managed a go-ahead goal with 19 seconds left.
The last 19 seconds were played without goalie Bob Grayson, who was pulled for the one man advantage. While OPRF was able to challenge North’s goalie, the Huskies couldn’t manage a tie. Grayson saved 42 shots on goal.
On Sunday, OPRF lost its third consecutive game against Sandburg, 6-3.
Al McDonnel scored twice and assisted on a goal by Brett Newman for the Huskies.
Grayson stopped 21 of 26, and Tanner Houston stopped 5 of 6 in goal for OPRF.
The club will play a practice game against York tonight (Wednesday) at Ridgeland Commons. The annual alumni game will also be played at Ridgeland Commons on Thursday.
The Huskies will try to get back on track this Sunday in the Blackhhawk Charities Cup OPRF will play Rockford at the Edge East in Bensonville (8 a.m.). Later that day (6 p.m.), the team will face rival Providence.
On Monday, the Huskies will face Sandburg once again.
A press release contributed to this report
