Boys hockey: Losing streak ends during break from the Lake

Talk about it

When coaches, both for Rosemount and the other Lake schools, talk about the competitiveness of the conference, it’s not an excuse.

It’s a fact of life.

Coaches across the south metro preach about the day-to-day battles that it takes to compete in the Lake Conference. One only needs to look at the Rosemount boys hockey team to see how different things can be.

The Irish are winless in conference play. Against non-conference opponents they are 2-3, including a one-goal loss at Buffalo.

“I think even though we have struggled in the wins and losses column this season, if you take a look at our conference right now, we have six teams that have been in and out of the top 20,” Rosemount coach Scott Macho said. “That’s half of our schedule where we are facing the top teams in the state of Minnesota. When you start looking out of the Lake Conference, the level of competition isn’t as intense all the time.”

The Irish (2-14, 0-11 Lake) finally got to relax with a bit of out of conference play with a game last week against Prior Lake. Rosemount proceeded to pot a season-high eight goals in an 8-6 win to snap its losing streak.

Coincidentally, Prior Lake will join the new South Suburban Conference with Rosemount next year.

But for this year, the Irish were just happy to let out a sigh of relief after earning the long-sought victory.

“It was really nice to see some smiles again,” Macho said. “It was fun to be in the locker room after we won. It got kind of intense at the end because we took a couple of silly penalties. But it was neat to be a part of that. The kids definitely were having a good time. It was fun to see the kids have fun again.”

Prior Lake led 2-1 after the first period, but the Irish proceeded to score four times in the second and three in the third.

A few days earlier, Macho praised senior captain Andrew Anderson’s leadership and said the other players need to follow Anderson’s lead.

Anderson actions spoke loudest against Prior Lake. He finished with three goals and three assists.

Anderson’s teammates were ready to step forward as well.

Stefan Booth scored twice and had an assist. Sam Bishop had a goal and two assists. Mike Cossalter and Connor Langield also tallied goals for the Irish, providing the full team effort Macho was seeking.

“It’s starting to happen,” Macho said. “It’s a very positive thing to see.”

Jared Newman tallied two assists. Cory Pederson and Trevor Kolden each had an assist.

Goaltender Justin Frank made 27 saves in net to record the victory.

The Irish also suffered a 7-1 loss at Apple Valley last week.

Cossalter scored in the second period on assists from Anderson and Bishop.

Tags: boys hockey, sports, rosemount, irish, prep, minnesota