Hudson Boys Hockey Team Earns 2-1 Regional Victory Over Rival River Falls; Raiders to Face Superior in Sectionals

The boys hockey team battled to a 2-1 victory over rival River Falls at a capacity crowd at the River Falls Wildcat Center in the first round of WIAA regionals.

The Raiders came into the game as the No. 5 seed and the Wildcats were the No. 4 seed.

Junior Ryan Dau scored what would prove to be the game winner at the 5:43 mark of the third period. He was assisted by senior Chris Berglund.

The River Falls Wildcats took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play to score the first goal of the game at the 4:50 mark on a goal by sophomore Casey Jerry .

The Raiders responded less than six minutes later to tie the game with a goal from junior David Kein at the 10:15 mark. James Fall, one of the Raiders’ captains, got the assist. 

The second period, while quiet on the scoring front, was a physical battle that tested both goalies. Raiders’ goalie Matt Strachota was stellar between the pipes and fended off a 5-on-3 Wildcat advantage six minutes into the second period. It was the second 5-on-3 power play of the night for the Wildcats. In the second period alone, Strachota and the rest of the Raiders’ defense was able to kill three penalties.

The rivalry between the two schools intensified as a minor fight broke out midway through the second period, sending both a Wildcat and a Raider to the penalty box. Neither team was able to score in the second period.

Dau’s goal gave the Raiders a 2-1 lead midway through the third period. But the Raiders defense helped to keep the lead, fending off a power play at 8:17, and a 5-on-3 penalty kill at 12:21 for the third time during the game.

Raiders Coach Mike Stoskopf credited his team’s victory to the complete team effort and making the big plays when needed.

“Our team played with their hearts," Stoskopf said. "We had the will to do whatever it took, whether it was taking hits, making the pass, or blocking shots, we came up when we needed. We knew it would be tough as River Falls has strong players in Karl Andersen, Casey Jerry and a great goaltender in Garrett Jensen, but thankfully the two goals were scored were enough.”

The Raiders were in control throughout much of the game, out-shooting the Wildcats by an almost 2 to 1 margin throughout the game.

Hudson was on the power play for the final 1:23 which helped to seal the victory.

The Raiders will travel north to face Superior in the WIAA sectional round at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22.