RiverHawks' Dreams Dashed on Controversial Call

The North Wright County RiverHawks played 34 minutes of scoreless hockey on Friday against Elk River. But a controversial Elk River goal in the 35th minute would prove to be their ticket back to St. Michael-Albertville.

As a scrammble ensued in front of Hawks goaltender Amanda Koep, the puck ricocheted off a stick and flew into the air. Elk River forward Danielle Esperum pounced on the opportunity and poked the puck into the back of the net.

As the referees conferred, RiverHawks players and fans were left stunned by what, to them, seemed to be a blatant high stick which would have immediately disallowed the goal. 

"The reason for the confusion was because some people thought my stick was higher than the crossbar," Esperum said after the game. "If the refs would have thought that they would have called it off. I thought it was a good goal but I was a little freaked out there for a second."

Hawks head coach Tim Hanson was one of many that felt the goal should have been disallowed.

"You hate to see that happen. It's heartbreaking to go down 0-1 on a sloppy goal like that," Hanson said after the game. "We hate to see it especially in such a close game."

Even after the decision went against his team, Hanson was quick to laud Esperum's technical prowess.

"You've got to credit (Esperum) though. To have the hand-eye coordination and wherewithal to put that into the net is pretty impressive. Still a heartbreaker though."

Elk River's Jordan McLaughlin sealed the victory with a slapshot from the Hawks' blue line with just 1:08 left to play.

"We were really starting to take it to them in their zone when they got that breakout and scored," Hanson said. "There isn't much you can do with a minute to play down two goals."    

After pulling Koep in the final minute, Elk River's Jonna Curtis scored with 17.5 seconds to seal the 3-0 victory.

Elk River next plays Lakeville South at noon at Ridder Arena on Feb. 26.