Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill-Wausau East co-op hockey team hosted the Medford Raiders on Friday night, Jan. 17, at the Merrill Area Recreation Center (MARC). Medford would take control of the contest early and maintain a lead throughout the game, topping the Bluejacks 5-1.
It took the Raiders hardly any time to get on the board, scoring in the first 23 seconds of the game. EMU (East-Merrill United) would tighten up their defense for a the next 10 minutes, until Medford struck again with a goal at the 10:08 mark.
The second period of play saw a similar story as the first, as Medford scored another goal early, 1:17 into the period. The Bluejacks got back to playing tough defense for a while, however Medford was able to extend their lead to 4-0, 11:12 into the period. Medford scored their final goal in the third period on a power play. EMU’s Nate Munson was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and spent two minutes in the penalty box, meanwhile the Raiders took advantage of the extra man and made it a 5-0 game.
EMU’s lone goal of the game came off the stick of Jared Heller. Following a five minute major penalty on Medford for boarding, Heller found a seam in the Raider defense and put the puck in the back of the net, with an assist from Colton Betro.
Jake Furrer played the whole game at goalie for the Bluejacks and ended the night saving 49 of the 54 shots sent his way.
EMU will be back in action on Monday, Jan. 27, as they travel to Mosinee for a showdown with the Indians. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.