Eagan Boys Hockey Dominates Prior Lake in Opening Game

Nick Kuchera had a goal and four assists to lead the Eagan boys hockey team past Prior Lake 9-1 in its season opener Thursday.

Michael Zajac had two goals and two assists, Kyle Bonstrom scored twice and Sam Wolfe added a goal and three assists for the 10th-ranked Wildcats, which outshot the Lakers 46-12. John Carroll and Will Merchant each scored once.

Up 2-0 after the first period, and 4-0 midway through the second, Eagan scored three times in a little over two minutes to put the game away.

Bonstrom scored his second goal of the game at 11:33, Zajac scored nine seconds later and again at 13:34, taking a pass from Kuchera and beating goaltender Kyle Miller on a wrist shot from the left circle.

Wolfe scored on a rebound with 12.4 seconds left in the period and Zach Gilenke added an unassisted tally in the third period.

Tommy Bodeker was rarely tested in net because Eagan defenders did a good job of keeping the Lakers to the outside and forcing turnovers. The lone Prior Lake goal came during a 5-on-3 power play late in the game.

Things should be much tougher for the Wildcats Saturday, when they travel to second-ranked Edina for a 7 p.m. game.