Ice Hawks win one, tie one with Butte

The Havre Midget hockey team played two home games this weekend against a Butte team that was looking for some revenge after two losses earlier in the season.

The hunt for revenge was evident in the first game as Butte tied with Havre 2-2. The Ice Hawks struck back in the second game, winning 6-3.

The first game with Butte was a league game. The Havre team took a 2-0 lead into the third period, before giving up two goals to Butte, ending the game in a tie.

Havre player Garrett Drake said his team expected to get two wins against Butte. However, he said, the defense let up some in the third quarter, which allowed Butte to climb back into the game with two quick goals.

Brett Patrick scored Havre's first goal, assisted by Levi Briese. Jason Johnstone scored the second goal for Havre with J.R. Morse and Jack Stilger providing the assists.

"We were kind of expecting to win both of them," Drake said. "Our team wasn't too happy with a tie. Everyone's kind of in a little bit of a slump. Our team defense is in a little bit of a slump. We need to work on getting that back up before state."

Havre bounced back in its second game against Butte, winning 6-3.

The Ice Hawks got the first two goals in the game, but gave up three goals before the first period ended.

Within the first 30 seconds of the second period, Cody McLain scored a goal to tie the game at three. Havre scored one more goal in the second to take a 4-3 lead into the third and final period of play. The Ice Hawks tacked on two more goals in the third for the 6-3 win.

Johnstone scored two goals in the game, both assisted by Morse. Jack Stilger and Chazz Hurlburt each added unassisted goals. Cody McLain and Andy Meyers also scored goals for the Ice Hawks. McLain's goal was assisted by Drake and Meyers' by McLain.

"In the second game, they had a couple of hard feelings, and it showed," Drake said, noting Butte had numerous penalties and one player kicked out.

"We had to come out and show them once and for all that we are the better team," he added.

Eric McLain defended the goal for both games.

Also having home games this weekend was the Ice Hawks' other high school-age team.

The high schoolers split with Miles City, winning the first one 4-3 before falling in the second 3-0.

Jordon Patterson scored two goals in the first game, assisted by Michael Anderson and Levi Briese. Jon Johnstone added an unassisted goal, and Briese and Patterson combined for the final goal in the win.

Mark Benjamin guarded the goal in the first game, with Michael Anderson taking the net in the second game.

Havre travels to Missoula this weekend and will be back at home the following weekend against Helena.