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Cougars dominate Huron in 9-0 boys’ win

Brady Huff, of the Aberdeen Cougars, center, shoots the puck as Jack Pedersen, of the Huron All Stars, right, tries to defend during Sunday’s game at the Odde Ice Center. Huff scored his first of four goals with the shot. Photo by John Davis taken 12/17/2023

The Aberdeen Cougars were firing on all cylinders on Sunday afternoon.

Aberdeen scored five goals in the second period to pull away for a 9-0 hockey win over the Huron All Stars at the Odde Ice Center.

Cougars coach Jeremy Backous thought his team played well overall, especially on defense.

“There were moments where we got a little loose in our defensive zone and made some not-so-good puck decisions, but I thought overall we played much better defensively today,” Backous said. “I thought it was a good effort.”

The Cougars struck twice in the first period on a pair of goals from Brady Huff, putting the home team up 2-0. Aberdeen controlled the puck for much of the period, which allowed the hosts to take 12 shots on goal, while limiting Huron’s shots to just four.

Huff, who finished with a game-high four goals and one assist, gave credit to his teammates for the scoring opportunities.

“I’m just going to thank my linemates on that,” Huff said. “I had some great passes with some open nets, so I couldn’t have done it without them.”

In the second period the Cougars opened up a scoring barrage with five goals, including two by Devon Fischbach, and one each by Huff, Lance Siefken, and Jack Podoll.

Devon Fischbach, of the Aberdeen Cougars, center, celebrates scoring a goal as teammates Michael Weisenburger, far left and Jaxon Danielson, right, close in to celebrate during Sunday’s game against the Huron All Stars at the Odde Ice Center. Photo by John Davis taken 12/17/2023

Fischbach, who also had two assists on the day, said the team was “clicking” offensively.

“We were making passes normally that we don’t,” Fischbach said. “It really surprised all of us as a team, as well.”

While the Cougars offense was scoring goals almost at will, the defense was severely limiting Huron’s opportunities to score.

“We limited quality shot opportunities in front and defended better,” Backous said of his defense.

Brady Oswald scored a goal in the third period, while Huff added his fourth goal of the day to complete the scoring.

The game also capped off a special day for Cougar fans, players, and coaches as the team honored the life of the late Greg Swanson, who passed away from cancer in October. Swanson was a standout player, helping lead the Cougars to the state championship in 1992 when he led the state in scoring.

Members of Greg Swanson’s family walk off the ice following a pre-game recognition of the former Aberdeen Cougars standout Sunday at the Odde Ice Center. Swanson, who passed away in October, was honored for his contributions to the Cougars hockey program. Photo by John Davis taken 12/17/2023

Huff said it was great to honor Swanson during the game.

“He represented the Cougars in a great way, so kind of representing that and showing how we support the Cougars and how we show the fans what’s up,” Huff said. “It’s good stuff.”

The Cougars (5-2) will now head into the holiday break before getting back into regular season action on Jan. 5 at home against Watertown. The goal for the team will be to continue to improve each day during the break

“We go to practice the next morning and do the same stuff we’ve been doing,” Fischbach said.

Backous said there will be an emphasis on cleaning up some mistakes in the coming weeks.

“It’s just going to be more focus on defensive zone coverage and getting better defensively because that helps generate our offense,” Backous said. “So, just working to get better this week.”

Huron All Stars 0 0 0 – 0

Aberdeen Cougars 2 5 2 – 9

First Period: 1, AC, Brady Huff (Devon Fischbach), 14:07; 2, AC, Huff (unassisted), 2:37.

Second Period: 3, AC, Lance Siefken (Cameron Backous), 6:36; 4, AC, Fischbach (Jaxon Danielson, 5:47; 5, AC, Jack Podoll (Siefken), 3:38; 6, AC, Fischbach (Huff and Lleyton Kleffman), 2:37; 7, AC, Huff (unassisted), 2:12.

Third Period: 8, AC, Brady Oswald (Jackson Garstecki), 13:22; 9, AC, Huff (Fischbach), 3:14.

Shots on Goal: Huron All Stars 15; Aberdeen Cougars 35.

Goalies: Huron All Stars, Kaleb Rashaad (26 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (15 saves).

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