Ice Hawks split with the Flathead Fusion

Down in Whitefish this past weekend, the Havre Ice Hawks high school hockey team played a pair of games against the Flathead Fusion. Over the weekend, the Ice Hawks had their ups and downs against the Fusion. The Ice Hawks started the weekend Saturday with a 4-3 loss to the Fusion before bouncing back Sunday with a 4-1 victory.

In the game Saturday, the Fusion struck first with a goal from Sam Trufant about halfway through the first period. A few minutes later, the Ice Hawks responded with a goal from Jacob Herring.

After a scoreless lull through most of the second period, the Fusion broke through with a goal from Tag Walker. Several minutes later, Luke Sharpe scored a goal to extend Flathead’s lead to 3-1.

With their backs against the wall, the Ice Hawks roared back in the third period. Just a couple minutes into the period, Austin Boyce scored for the Ice Hawks on a power play. A few minutes later, Boyce scored another goal to tie the game at 3-3.

Neither team scored for the remainder of regulation and the game went to overtime. But the Fusion quickly put an end to the game with a goal from Walker just over a minute into overtime.

Boyce and Michael Emge each recorded two points for the Ice Hawks as Boyce scored two goals and Emge recorded a pair of assists. Starting goalie Clara Holland recorded a save percentage of .810 in the game.

After the tough loss Saturday, the Ice Hawks responded Sunday with their 4-1 victory. About halfway through the first period, Decker Hanson scored a goal to give Havre the lead. Then just a few minutes into the second period, Stephen Preputin scored to extend the lead to 2-0. Later in the period, Ciaran Courtnage scored to make it a 3-0 game.

Early in the third period, Preputin scored another goal for the Ice Hawks. The Fusion finally got on the scoreboard with a goal from Adam Healy on a power play, but time ran out for them.

Preputin and Herring each recorded two points for the Ice Hawks as Preputin scored two goals and Herring recorded two assists. After allowing four goals the previous game, Holland rebounded to record a save percentage of .958.

The Ice Hawks are 3-8 on the season and will next play at the Havre Ice Dome this Friday at 8 p.m. against Billings. The Ice Hawks then play Billings at home again Saturday at 10 a.m.