Top-ranked 5A squad ends Battle Mountain hockey team’s 4-game winning streak

It took the third-best team in 5A boys hockey to put an end to Battle Mountain’s recent string of victories. Denver East defeated the Huskies 8-3 on Monday night at Dobson Arena to improve to 7-2 and end Battle Mountain’s four-game winning streak.

The Angels capitalized on Husky penalties in the first period, building a 4-0 lead. But Battle Mountain head coach George Wilson was pleased with how his team, the 10th-ranked squad in 4A, settled down in the second and played penalty-free hockey the rest of the way.

“The team learned that by keeping emotions in check and playing within the rules they can compete even with a strong program like Denver East,” Wilson stated. The Huskies found the back of the net three times in the final period.

Miles Kipp, Connor Wadey and Nathan Rahe each scored goals for the hosts. Trevor Dunn tallied two assists and Ethan Fronteras, Jake Johnson and Wadey all added an assist as well. Evan Humphrey made 39 saves in the net for the Huskies, who started the New Year with a 6-2 win over Caprock Academy on Jan. 3.

In that game, Sharkey tallied two goals and an assist as five other players — Kipp, Wadey, Asher Silberman and Brooks Wenninger — found the back of the net as well. Battle Mountain (5-3) also defeated Crested Butte 6-0 on Dec. 20 and Caprock Academy 4-1 on Dec. 21.

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Currently, Battle Mountain is fourth in the 4A Mountain League with a 3-2 conference mark. The Huskies trail Glenwood Springs (6-0), Summit (4-1) and Steamboat Springs (4-1) in the standings. Wilson’s team will test themselves against another 5A opponent this week as No. 9 Heritage pays a visit to the Eagle Ice Rink on Friday at 2 p.m. The coach said his squad is “determined to bounce back stronger than ever.”

“This game presents an opportunity for our team to showcase the qualities that define Huskies hockey,” he stated. “I am hoping to see the team bring their speed and improved precision and creativity to the game. The team is working on a confident mindset for our games and belief in their abilities to work together as a team. Our highest priority will be to remain disciplined and limit penalties.”