Austin Packers boys’ hockey falls to Red Wing Saturday 6-2

The Austin Packers boys’ hockey team held a 2-1 lead in the second period over visiting Red Wing in a Big 9 boys’ hockey matchup Saturday afternoon at Riverside Arena, but the Wingers rallied for three goals in the period to take a lead they would not relinquish as they went on to down the Packers 6-2.

Austin took a 1-0 lead at 8:04 of the first period on a goal by Zach Kruger, with an assist to Matt Ramstad, but Red Wing tied the game at one with a goal from Wyatt Thoma at 11:35.  Cal Fox put Austin back in the lead early in the second period at 2:08 after he tallied with an assist to Jameson Johnson, but the Wingers again had the answer as they scored the next three goals in the period to take a 4-2, two of them from Evan Petersmeyer at 9:57 and 15:56 sandwiched around a goal from Tristen Peterson with an assist from Petersmeyer at 11:17.  Red Wing closed out the scoring in the third period with goals from Hayden Zylka at 10:40 and Matt Ramstad at 13:25.

It was a penalty-filled affair at Riverside Arena Saturday afternoon as Austin was whistled for six penalites for 20 minutes, while Red Wing was called for seven penalties for 14 minutes.  Neither team was able to cash in with the man advantage as Austin was 0 for 7 on the power play, while Red Wing was 0 for 6.  Ethan Knox was between the pipes for Austin and faced 62 shots while making 56 saves, and Dixon Ehlers was in net for Red Wing and earned the win turning away 28 of the 30 shots he faced.

Austin falls to 0-3 on the season, and they will be back on the ice Thursday night at home versus Faribault, with face-off at Riverside Arena at 7:15 p.m.