On the surface, Tuesday’s Senior Night in Chippewa Falls appeared to be no more than the 7-2 mismatch that the final scoreboard displayed. Viroqua brought their nine skaters, two goalies and two wins to face the surging Sabers who had won seven of their last ten. Beyond the scoresheet the game featured some hidden story lines: the sportsmanship and respect displayed between two teams having quite different seasons.

CFM sprinted out to a 3-0 lead in the games first four minutes and Blackhawks goaltender Sami Bramstedt battled her way to a forty-one save performance. Senior Addi Buesgen scored twice in the period, her 12th and 13th of the season, as CFM peppered Bramstedt with fifteen shots. The Sabers took a 4-0 lead to the lockeroom.

“We certainly did not help ourselves out in the first period with a tip in and an assist from our players,” said Paul Severson, Blackhawks Head Coach. “CFM started fast, and we did not.”

Period two featured the kind of game management from both benches that kept the game competitive. Viroqua generated several good scoring chances as they put fourteen shots on Sabers goalie Aubrie Dowd. Impressive freshman Brenna Rogers showcased her slapshot and a pair of full ice rushes, but the Blackhawks couldn’t find the back of the net. The period ended still at 4-0.

“We settled down some in the 2nd and they were running more lines, so it was a pretty competitive period,” Severson noted. “We put some nice pressure on them for a few shifts and had some nice shots on net.”

Viroqua book ended an early and late goal around three CFM tallies in the final period. Severson called Senior Emma Brudos’ goal seventeen seconds into the period, “a nice hardworking goal”. Severson added, “She (Brudos) had just told me the period before that she didn't get any lucky bounces. I told her persistence pays off.”

Amelia Olson redirected Willa Thurin’s point shot for Viroqua’s other goal. “We had worked on tips in practice yesterday,” said Severson, “so that was nice to see it translate into game play.”

CFM’s Olivia Herr notched her tenth goal and persistent forward Evelyn Pischer converted a pretty two-on-one pass from Avery Lindstrom. But the goal that got the most reaction was the first career goal scored by Menomonie Senior Keiara Daniel.

Daniel’s Head Coach Mikayla Hogan had high praise for the senior who transferred from Eau Claire. “Everyone was super excited to see her bury one. She's a kid who is the first one off the bench for us and doesn't always know when her next shift may be but is always ready to go. She is routinely asking for things to work on during our pre-practice flex time to continue improving even as her senior year winds down. She's been a great addition to our program.”

This is a game where the scoreboard could have easily gotten out of control, but the mutual respect between the coaches turned it into an entertaining and competitive contest. “We knew CFM would be a tough opponent, and they lived up to it,” praised Severson. “They earned that win, hats off to them.”

Hogan echoed similar comments, “Viroqua has some nice up and coming players, Rogers, a freshman, has a dangerous shot from the point and Charlie Brudos, can buzz around with anyone. It is great that Bramstedt got healthy and has been able to finish out her senior year, not a goalie to be taken lightly.”

In a further display of sportsmanship and respect, the Viroqua players stood attentively on their blue line as the Saber seniors and their parents were introduced in a ceremony between periods. Both teams have some players with very limited experience, due to starting the game much later than elementary school. It takes a unique brand of courage to put yourself out there where the learning curve is so steep.  

“We have a tremendous senior class, and we were grateful to be able to get them all on the ice tonight,” said Hogan. “While not all see significant playing time, they each serve a critical role to our team and culture. As cliche as that sounds, it really is the truth. Whether seeing big minutes, keeping vibes up on the bench, or being a leader for our JV squad, each of our seniors know and lean into their roles.”

Hogan, a Chippewa Falls alumni, concluded with one final shout out to her first senior class as a head coach. “When those are the types of athletes you have leading your crew, it makes coaching easier and infinitely more enjoyable. Sincere thank you to Daisy, Addi, Natalie, Ashley, Keiara, Tessa, Delaney, and Elly. You guys are absolutely leaving this program better than you found it.”

If I have learned anything in all my years in hockey, it is that the story of every game goes far beyond the scoreboard. Tuesday night in Chippewa Falls was a textbook example.

CFM (11-10) will get right back into action traveling to West Salem to take on the Coulee Region Cyclones (4-14-1) on Thursday. Viroqua (2-18) will host the Icebergs on Friday.

Three Stars of the game:

1-CFM-Seniors, 2-VQ-Bramstedt, 3-CFM-Coach Hogan/VQ-Coach Severson

Blue Collar- CFM-Pischer, VQ-Brudos