12/8/2012 6:00:00 AM

Boys hockey: Wildcats bury Janesville

Senior goalie Jon Fiala makes one of six saves last Thursday in a Big Eight Conference game against the Janesville Bluebirds. Verona scored three goals in the first period en route to an 8-0 win. [Photo by Anthony Iozzo]

Jeremy Jones
Sports editor
 

Nolan Kepler, Brodie Roehrig and Brogan Baker had two goals apiece Thursday evening inside the Eagles Nest Ice Arena as Verona shut out the Janesville Bluebirds, 8-0.

The Wildcats scored three goals in the first, including a power-play and short-handed goal by Kepler, who assisted another in the second. Verona added two goals in the third period and two more in the second.

“Our guys came out excited and ready to play at home,” Verona head coach Joel Marshall said. “After a good week of practice, we were able to focus on some of our first-game mishaps.”

Zach Jones and Brett Storm each chipped in with a goal.

Marshall thought the Bluebirds might be one of the top teams in the Big Eight

“Janesville lost a couple key players from last year’s team, so my initial thought of the team was a little off,” he said.

Jon Fiala faced only six shots on goal to earn his first varsity win.

Tyler Lewis (14) and Michael MacDougall (25) combined for 39 saves in the loss for Janesville.

“We played strong defensively, limiting Janesville to only six shots, and didn’t give up any good scoring chances,” Marshall said. “It was nice to see all three regular lines contributing offensively the way they did.”