BROOKINGS – The Aberdeen Cougars could not generate enough offense Sunday afternoon in a 5-1 boys’ hockey setback to the Brookings Rangers.

The Cougars had seven penalties in the contest, including five in the third period.

“Once again, too many penalties, although we only gave up one power play goal,” said Cougars coach Dana Myhre. “Just playing too much of the game short-handed.”

Brookings scored twice in both the first and second periods to take control.

Aberdeen got on the board when Dylan Kleffman found the back of the net early in the third period off an assist from Briggs Medill.

However, that was the only offense Aberdeen could muster, being outshot 44-12.

“Still struggling to find a way to score goals against the better teams,” Myhre said. “I liked the intensity we played with today, and I think we made it difficult for them. Bottom line, we have got to figure out how to score against good teams.”

The Cougars will host Sioux Falls West at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Odde Ice Center on the Third Annual Greg Swanson Day.

Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 1 – 1

Brookings Rangers 2 2 1 – 5

First Period: 1, BR Carson Kludt (Tre Christopherson), 16:16; 2, BR, Jason Ready (Parker Nielsen), 1:20.

Second Period: 3, BR, Mauer Bartley (Ready), 10:11; 4, BR, Waylon Carroll (Maxten Jensen, Connor Friedrich), 5:36.

Third Period: 5, AC, Dylan Kleffman (Briggs Medill), 15:34; 6, BR, Mason Diers (Nolan Krogman), 12:14.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 12; Brookings Rangers 44.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Andrew Weisenburger (39 saves); Brookings Rangers, Ryder Anderson (11 saves).