Bantams fourth at Thief River
The Ely Blue Line Bantam team played in the “Blue Line Battle” tournament over New Year’s in Thief River Falls. Pictured are (l-r): Back Row- Eric Urbas (Head Coach), Lewey Powell (Goalie), Brady Eaton, Stig Majerus, Dakota Starkovich, Oscar Shock, Sean Merriman, Jayden Zemke (Captain), Hunter Halbakken (Captain), Ryland Sandy, Ryan Puzel (Assistant Coach); Front: Mason Kurnava, Owen Marolt, Evan Leeson, Cooper Mayranen
Ely’s Bantam hockey team placed fourth in an eight-team tournament last weekend in Thief River Falls.
After sweeping three straight contests to win their pool, Ely lost a hard-fought game to Chisago Lakes in Sunday’s semifinals and fell 8-5 to Rock Ridge B1 in the third-place game.
Both contests were held at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
In Friday’s opening round contest, Ely beat Langdon (N.D.) 6-2 with Brady Eaton scoring twice.
Jayden Zemke had a three-point game with a goal and two assists, while Hunter Halbakken and Evan Leeson both added goals for the winners.
Between the pipes, Lewey Powell recorded 31 saves.
Ely added a pair of victories Dec. 31, outscoring Minot (N.D.) 9-6 as Eaton and Sean Merriman both had had tricks.
Halbakken had four points with two goals and two assists and Zemke notched a goal and an assist.
Leeson and Owen Marolt added assists with Powell coming up with 16 saves.
Ely clinched the pool championship by beating Thief River Falls 5-2.
Zemke led the way, scoring twice and adding an assist.
Marolt had two goals and Majerus had the other, and Powell made 22 saves.
The semifinal game went down to the wire with Chisago Lakes pulling out the win 5-4.
Halbakken and Eaton had two goals each, while assists went to Eaton and Merriman.
Powell finished with 23 saves.
In the finale, Powell turned away 52 shots and helped keep Ely close against Rock Ridge.
Ely rallied to tie the game at five before the Wolverines countered with three straight goals to close things out.
Goals went to Marolt, Halbakken, Zemke, Ryland Sandy and Cooper Mayranen. Marolt and Leeson had assists.
