Shoot-out in the Ice Dome

The season on the ice continued for the Havre Ice Hawks. After some tough losses at home throughout the year, the Ice Hawks were looking for some redemption against the Flathead Fusion Friday and Saturday in the Havre Ice Dome.

Havre did not sweep the Fusion, but did split the series, losing to Flathead Friday 10-1 and then winning Saturday in a thrilling overtime shoot-out, 5-3. On top of that, the seniors for the Ice Hawks had a great weekend on the ice, as well, being recognized for their commitment to the team.

The 10-1 loss Friday was a tough way to start off the series, but Havre made some big strides Saturday to split with the Fusion. Game two was a tough back and forth contest that led to a shoot-out.

Senior Bridger Staples said he knew the season has not gone as planned, but he was happy to see the team add a hard-earned win.

"We started off rough in the season," Staples said. "But we just got to get better. We just have a couple games left in the season. Practice makes perfect. We haven't won a lot, but we make the most of it every day."

With the score tied 3-3, the Ice Hawks had to score some shots and block some, too to beat Flathead. As the first Fusion shooter shot, goalie Trennis Riley kicked off the shoot-out with a save, followed by a goal by Staples to put Havre ahead in the contest.

Riley blocked another Fusion attempt and Tavish McLean scored another goal to seal the win for the Ice Hawks. The celebration was fun and the Havre fans were thrilled to see Havre put some great work on the ice.

Riley has been considered one of the best goalies in the state of Montana and against Flathead, he was proud of his and the team's performance.

"I feel great," Riley said. "It just so happens that today (Saturday) is my birthday, so I'll take this game as my birthday gift."

Havre's three points in regulation were from Staples, Kaine Black and senior Rhoda Peterson. Peterson opened the game with a goal to put the Ice Hawks ahead, Flathead responded with a score, Black put the puck in the net to take the lead again, Flathead responded with two goals and Staples sent the game into overtime with a goal.

With the thrilling win over the Fusion, seniors Donovan McLain and Dexter Beck were glad about how the game and the season has been getting better for the Ice Hawks.

McLain has been happy to take up a leadership role this year and was proud of what Havre put forward on the ice against Flathead.

"First game, we had a rough start,:" McLain said, "but we picked it up halfway through, and this game we matched that intensity starting off. That's how we got such a close game to play through."

Meanwhile, Beck reflected on his last season as an Ice Hawk and how much it felt nice to win against the Fusion, too.

"It's been pretty fun," Beck said. "The guys have been working hard and it felt good to get a good team win there. Everybody played good and I'm just glad I could be a Ice Hawk."

The last few games of the season are on the way, with Havre playing Glasgow on the road Feb. 8-9 in Glasgow, followed by a series against the Fusion down in Kalispell March 1.