Last year in the Section 7 playoffs the Waukesha Wings lost to the Janesville Bluebirds 2-1 on two late goals by Janesville.
One year later.
Waukesha used two late goals in the third period and earned its first trip to the State Tournament with a 2-1 come from behind win at Nagawaukee Ice Saturday night.
Waukesha now plays section 6 winner Madison Edgewood at 7:15 Thursday night.
The two teams played a scoreless first period with Waukesha leading 13-8 in shots. Janesville seemed to get some momentum in the second period but couldn't score on a couple power plays. Finally the first tally of the game came from Janesville freshman Ben Coulter. With a big pileup in the net Coulter was able to get the puck and slid it in the net for a 1-0 lead with 27 seconds left in period two. Janesville out shot Waukesha 12-10 in the period.
Waukesha who earned the number one seed in the section brought everything in the third period. They would come close and would be relentless on the attack. Finally a gratuitous bounce got the game even. Ian Malcolmson was shooting the puck and it went off a defensemans skate and past Janesville goalie Jack Bostedt for a 1-1 game.
The momentum shifted to all Waukesha after the goal. Once again having extended time in Janesvilles zone they went to Malcolmson from the right circle and he sniped a shot high glove with 33 seconds left to give the winning margin of 2-1.
"This win isn't for just this group", said Wings coach Raja Aylesworth. "Its for all the groups that we've had here" . "We have a strong community and everyone is proud of this ".
"I'll say this about Ian Malcolmson. Hes a very, very talented hockey player, buts he's even a better person", said Aylesworth.
Waukesha freshman goalie Garrett Larsen who made some very big saves ended his night with 21 saves. Janesville goalie Jack Bostedt who had a great game as well, stopped 40 shots. Janesville ends the season with a 17-10 record.