DICKINSON, N.D. – For the second straight game, the Aberdeen Cougars boys’ hockey team scored an early goal and then was held scoreless the remainder of the contest in a narrow setback.

After falling 2-1 to Williston on Friday, the Cougars dropped a 2-1 decision to the Dickinson Midgets during the Dickinson Holiday Tournament on Saturday.

Interestingly enough, it was Lleyton Kleffman who scored another first period goal, just like he did on Friday.

However, this time, the opponent not only scored twice in the opening period, the Midgets outshot Aberdeen by a 40-23 margin after a nearly identical shots on goal total on Friday for the Cougars.

“Colton (Townsend) played really well in the net again. We didn’t play with enough energy all game, and then we took some undisciplined penalties in the third period,” said Aberdeen coach Jeremey Backous. “If we’re going to win tight games, we have to stay out of the penalty box.”

Townsend finished with 38 saves for the Cougars.

Aberdeen, 5-7 overall on the season, was scheduled to compete again today in the tournament, but due to a lack of teams, the Cougars will not play today.

Aberdeen Cougars 1 0 0 – 1

Dickinson Midgets 1 0 1 – 2

First Period: 1, Lleyton Kleffman (unassisted), 4:35; 2, DM, Rylan Miller (Tristan Tippett, Dylan Gross), 2:57.

Second Period: no scoring.

Third Period: 3, DM, Owin Seibel (Miller), 4:14.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 23; Dickinson Midgets 40.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Colten Townsend (38 saves); Dickinson Midgets, Bryce Kadrmas (22 saves).