Boys hockey: Banged up Irish hang with Eastview, Kennedy

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A week ago, the Rosemount boys hockey team was feeling good after snapping its losing streak with a win against Prior Lake.

With the team playing well at times, and with Eastview and Bloomington Kennedy on the schedule, Irish coach Scott Macho was hoping to build a bit of momentum.

So when the Irish lost two close games against the Lightning and Eagles last week, Macho was disappointed. A 3-1 loss to Eastview and a 2-1 loss to Kennedy last week stung the coach.

“They were close games, which I think is a good thing to be involved with,” Macho said. “To be honest, they were two games I expected to walk away with wins. I think we have a number of factors keeping us from moving forward.”

The biggest factor is the Irish’s inability to continually present its best lineup. While Eastview and Kennedy were able to play with their top players, Rosemount has been dealing with injuries. At one practice this week, six players were out of action.

It’s more of the one step forward, two steps back routine for the Irish (2-16, 0-13 Lake).

“It makes it hard to make things move forward when you are constantly putting different kids in the lineups most nights,” Macho said.

It has provided the opportunity for new names to hit the score sheet however.

In Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Kennedy, senior Cole Skluzacek scored his first varsity goal. The tally, with assists to Trevor Kolden and Andrew O’Brien, gave Rosemount a 1-0 advantage early.

“I think the kids were just excited to see him bury one for us,” Macho said. “It’s so good to see when a guy wants it that bad, and really works and makes an effort and has been a part of this program. We were all very proud and excited for him.”

After the Eagles countered in the first period and added the game-winner early in the third, Macho witnessed his team pushing for the equalizer.

“I think if we played the entire game like we played the last five minutes, we might have walked away with the game without a problem,” Macho said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t show up for the entire game.”

Justin Franks made 24 saves in goal for the Irish.

Hank Fairchild was in goal against Eastview and recorded 25 saves. The Lightning took a 1-0 lead after the first period, but Andrew Anderson scored to make it a 1-1 game late in the second. Sam Bishop and Mike Cossalter assisted on the play. But, Eastview scored once more in the second and another in the third.

The Irish host Lakeville North on Saturday and Rochester Century next Tuesday.

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