Verona boys hockey were unable to take advantage of the late-season stumble for Middleton last week, but did manage to move into a first-place tie atop the Big Eight Conference with Middleton.

The Wildcats split conference games with Madison Memorial and Madison West last weekend to improve to 10-7-1 overall and 8-2-0 in conference.

Memorial 3, Verona 1

Looking to win out the rest of the regular season and share the conference title, Verona traveled to Madison Ice Arena on Friday where they lost 3-1.

Mason McCormick drew the Wildcats even with 6 1/2 minutes remaining in the first period before Memorial took control with a two-goal second period.

Parker Lindauer scored twice for the Spartans, while Jack Andringa scored and assisted on another.

The Wildcats defeated the Spartans 7-4 back in early December.

Despite the loss Verona (10-7-1 overall, 8-2-0 conference) had a chance to overtake previously undefeated Middleton (15-3-0, 8-2-0), which dropped three straight last week, including back-to-back losses against Janesville (9-6-0, 6-3-0) and Sun Prairie (9-6-0, 7-3-0).

Wildcat senior Alex Jones turned aside 24 of 27 shots on goal, while Ryan Kenny made 28 saves. 

Verona 2, Madison West 1

Verona was back inside the Madison Ice Arena on Saturday, this time facing Madison West, where senior Zach Ritter scored the game-winner 5 minutes into the third period for a 2-1 victory.

Jake Keyes answered a Madison West goal by Drake Baldwin 14 1/2 minutes into the second period, while Nathan Cleghorn stopped 28 of 29 shots on goal for the win.

Adam Buencamino made 19 saves for the Regents.

Kade Binger, Graham Sticha, Braeden Schindler and Josh Novotny all had assists.

The Wildcats host Arrowhead (11-3-0) at 7 p.m. Friday and then travel to Naga-Waukee Ice Arena to face the Waukesha Wings (11-2-2) at 7 p.m. on Saturday.