Wisconsin Seniors started fast against Michigan HP-18 Saturday afternoon. A minute into the game Ryan Hilbert took advantage of a Michigan neutral zone turnover. Hilbert entered Michigan’s D zone with jet speed and rocketed a shot that went over the Michigan goalie’s right shoulder. The puck hit a post and went in and out of the net rapidly. Just like that Wisconsin had a 1-0 lead.

Wisconsin did not allow Michigan to get a shot on net until 10:03 was on the clock. However, in the final minutes of the period Michigan had the momentum and opportunities to score. But Wisconsin Seniors goalie Rowan White stood strong. The first period ended with Wisconsin up 1-0 and each team had 10 shots.

Wisconsin’s second goal came with 8:09 on the clock in the second period. Mason Johnson won an offensive zone faceoff and Will McDonald directed the puck back to Drew Sparacino on the blueline. Sparacino snapped a quick shot through traffic to give Wisconsin a 2-0 lead.

Wisconsin’s third goal came with 5:41 remaining in the second period when Gannon Blaiser ripped a shot past Michigan’s goalie after Catcher Langeness won the faceoff.

Josh Dekarske gave Wisconsin a 4-goal lead with 1:08 on the clock, with assists by Carsen Gause and Drew Sparacino. The line of Jackson Hoem, Carsen Gause, and Josh Dekarske was firing on all cylinders today. The second period ended with Wisconsin up 4-0 and holding a 24-15 advantage in shots.

Wisconsin kept its foot on the pedal to start the 3rd period. With 13:50 on the clock, Evan Burchardt scored with an assist by Mason Johnson to give Wisconsin a 5-goal lead. Three minutes later, Michigan got on the scoreboard with a rocket shot that beat Devin Rustlie top shelf. Michigan scored again in the waning seconds, but it was too late. Wisconsin Seniors won 5-2.

Let’s hear from some Wisconsin Seniors that scored today!

• “I got a lucky puck bounce and took the puck to the net…I could see the goalie’s blocker side was open and I took the shot.” Ryan Hilbert.
• “I just took a shot and it got redirected. It wasn’t pretty but it scored!” Gannon Blaiser.
• “I got the puck at point and could see a gap and I hit far side.” Drew Sparacino.
• “My teammate got the puck off the wall, and I took the puck and walked around him and shot 5 hole.” Josh DeKarske.

Wisconsin Seniors play Colorado at 8AM on Sunday, April 28.