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Waupaca earns Home of Hockey tourney crown

By Michael Trzinski, WiPH Staff & Submitted, 12/31/17, 8:30AM CST

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Comets take first in Eveleth event

The Waupaca Comets got the opportunity to take two team photos in Eveleth, MN during the Home of Hockey Holiday tournament: one while posing in front of the 'Big Stick' downtown, and one on the ice at the Eveleth Hippodrome—as tournament champions.

The Comets began their play against the host team, Eveleth-Gilbert. Not meaning to be rude, the guests nonetheless put a hurting on the Golden Bears, winning 6-3. 

The Comets got off to an early 3-0 lead, only to see the game knotted at three by early in the second period. Waupaca scored the final three goals of the game to put it out of reach. Jack Menzies scored four times for the Comets, with Davis Levine and Mitchell Trzebiatowski each lighting the lamp. Cody Rasmussen added two assists. Bryton Sipp (17) and Brett Berrens (24) combined for 41 saves.

Day Two didn't go quite as well, as the Comets tied Proctor through 59 minutes of hockey, only to lose in the ensuing shootout. Trzebiatowski continued his goal scoring ways, notching both of Waupaca's scores. Berrens stopped 42 of 44 shots in the contest.

Day Three saw another close match, this time with Kittson Central, but the Comets prevailed 4-3 as Brady Johnson scored with 1:26 left in the third to earn the game-winner. Menzies, Rasmussen, and Jack Erspamer also scored for Waupaca. Menzies also chipped in a pair of helpers. 

Berrens stopped 32 shots in the winning effort.

The team also visited the USA Hockey Hall of Fame during their week in the Iron Range.

WiPH Game Summaries