George Ferguson
Havre Daily News sports editor
gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Havre Ice Hawks high school hockey team has had its fair share of difficulty with its rival from Great Falls this season. But on Saturday afternoon, the Ice Hawks were able to salvage a little redemption, as they earned a 3-3 tie with Great Falls at the Havre Ice Dome.
Early in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader with Great Falls, it looked as though the Ice Hawks were finally going to have a breakout game. Havre took a 1-0 lead when Mark Larson scored an unassisted goal as time wound down in the first period.
Then, in the second period, Havre struck again, this time on a goal from Mason Sheppard. The goal, which was set up by Tyler Boyce, gave Havre a 2-0 lead heading into the final period.
Great Falls, however, would not be denied, as it scored three straight goals in the final period to take a 3-2 lead with less than five minutes to play. However, Havre has had the flare for scoring dramatic late goals lately, and Saturday afternoon was no different. With 2:24 remaining in the contest, Michael Erickson scored on a pass from Scott Ladenburg to tie the game at 3-3, which would end up being the final score.
Havre goalie David Zentmire was solid between the pipes. Zentmire held the potent Great Falls offense in check, stopping 34 shots. Great Falls goalie Brooks Mattfeld stopped 27 shots.
On Saturday night, Zentmire and the Ice Hawks didn't have as much luck slowing down Great Falls, as the Ice Hawks dropped the nightcap 7-1. Erickson scored Havre's only goal, which came in the second period on an assist from Ladenburg.
Zentmire managed to save 30 shots on goal, but Great Falls had six different players score goals en route to the easy victory. Mattfeld was impressive for Great Falls, stopping 37 Havre shots on goal.
Erickson has been the leading offensive player for Havre as of late, scoring six goals in the last six games.
The Ice Hawks (7-6-3) will finish off their month-long homestand this weekend when they host the Bozeman Stingers at the Havre Ice Dome. Havre and Bozeman will square off on Saturday at 7 p.m., and the seniors and their parents will be honored before the game. The two teams will meet again on Sunday at 11 a.m.
