Tigers Roll in Schmitz Opener

by Pat Rupp

The Tigers took any frustrations lingering from their pre-Christmas two-game losing streak out on River Lakes in a 9-0 trouncing in the opening round of the Louis Schmitz Holiday Classic played at Schmitz-Maki Arena.

“We played three solid periods in all parts of the rink,” Tiger coach Jon Holmes said.  “I thought River Lakes was much more talented and worked harder than the scoreboard read at the end, but this was also a testament to how our girls approached the game.

“This game was very similar to the Eastview game in terms of puck possession and chances but we did a much better job of taking care of the puck in those areas…Defensively we did not give up much and it was nice to see the girls really take pride in winning battles and races in our own zone to get timely exits and not get caught in our own end.”

Ellie Moser posted her third hat trick of the season and Emily Rubins totaled four points on two goals and a pair of assists to lead the Farmington offense that outshot the Stars by a dominant 43-13.

Gabriella Hudson chimed in with a three-point night with a goal and two assists. Marissa Agerter, Bailey Kelley and Carly Lancaster also found the net for the winners.

All in all, a dozen Tigers found their way into the scoring column. Kiya Vincent and Savanna Tucker each chipped in with two assists. Jayden Seifert, Olivia Helleson, Claire Enright and Cassie Knutson had one apiece.

Rubins scored the first two Farmington goals of the night in a four-goal first period. Kelley provided the lone goal in the second before Moser netted a pair in a four-goal final period.

Emily Auge had a relatively uneventful night in goal, stopping all 13 shots she faced. The shutout was Auge’s second of the season and dropped her goals-against average to a stingy 1.54.

Farmington (9-3) will play state-rated Red Wing in the semifinals of the tourney Thursday evening. Face-off is 6:00 back at Schmitz-Maki.