Ely’s high school hockey team is already showing it can compete with section opponents.
The Timberwolves opened the season with a dramatic victory, and a low-scoring defeat, both against Section 7A opposition.
Senior Rhett Johnson’s goal with 12 seconds remaining lifted the Wolves to a 4-3 win over Moose Lake in the Nov. 29 opener at the Ely Arena, and freshman goalie Henry Fetterer allowed only one goal in a 1-0 loss to North Shore Tuesday night at Silver Bay.
The Wolves, who struggled against 7A foes last winter, are 1-1 and seem to have plenty of confidence early in the campaign.
They also, to start the season, gave Ben Johnson his first win in his second stint as head coach.
Johnson’s son Rhett played a pivotal role - as the senior forward scored twice including the game-winner.
Ely got off to a strong start and led 3-0 before the Rebels got their footing and rallied to tie the game in the final frame.
Moose Lake had some momentum but the hosts seized it back in the final minute, and Johnson poked one in to lift his team to victory.
Junior Evan Leeson scored on the power play for the only goal of the opening period, while consecutive goals by Rhett Johnson and sophomore Cooper Mayranen put the Wolves on top 3-0 early in the second period.
The Mayranen goal came during a five-minute power play, but the Rebels got on the board with a shorthanded goal during the same stretch.
Moose Lake scored again shorthanded, on an unassisted tally by Chase Klavu and Ely clung to a 3-2 lead after two periods.
The Rebels took advantage of a breakaway in the third frame, and Brayden Strand tied it up with 3:44 left.
Ely responded with Johnson’s game-winner, which came with assists from juniors Stig Majerus and Owen Marolt.
Marolt assisted on three of the four Ely goals, and both Leeson and senior Hunter Halbakken added assists.
Between the pipes, senior Lewis Powell recorded 20 saves and picked up his first win as an Ely goalie.
Fetterer got his first varsity start against North Shore on Tuesday and nearly picked up a win as well.
The Storm got on the board in the second period with a goal by Nox Petersen, and it held up.
Goaltender Dax Krech turned away all 29 shots he faced, including 12 in the second period, and preserved the shutout.
Fetterer recorded 22 saves in his varsity debut.
