The Badger Conference championship came down to the last game of the regular season. The Fury hosted Viroqua Blackhawks February 15 in Beloit. Both teams came out full speed in the first period. In a scramble around Sara Loerke snuck in a goal by Viroqua’s goaltender Abby Severson to give the Fury a 1-0 lead. Olivia Combs assisted the goal.

Within 17 seconds, Anika Einbeck passed the puck to Alyssa Knauf who passed to sister Haley Knauf who shot the puck over Severson’s shoulder to give the Fury a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period. Shots were 16-5 in favor of the Fury.

Midway through the second period defenseman Presley Kovacevich moved the puck to the forwards. Alyssa Knauf shot the puck past the goalie’s blocker side. Haley Knauf and Anika Einbeck earned assists on the play. The second period ended with a 3-0 lead for the Fury and with the Fury outshooting Viroqua 17-5.

With under seven minutes remaining in the third period the Fury’s top line went to work in the offensive zone continuously moving the puck. Haley Knauf passed the puck to Alyssa Knauf. Alyssa passed to Anika Einbeck who put the puck away to give the Fury a 4-0 win.

Well executed plays by the Fury’s offense and defense did not allow many scoring opportunities for Viroqua. The Fury outshot Viroqua 53-11. This marks Fury’s Olivia Cronin’s 5th shutout of the season.

The Fury’s regular season record is 16-8. Viroqua’s record is 7-15-2.

The Fury now have three consecutive conference championships. This season they share the title with Madison Metro Lynx and Cap City Cougars. All three teams have a Badger Conference record of 10-2.

With the #1 seed in sectionals, the Fury received a first round bye. They will play the winner of USM/Lakeshore Lightning game on February 25 at Janesville Ice Arena at 7:00 pm.

Viroqua will face Black River Falls on February 20.