Tigers Go Unbeaten in Schmitz Holiday Classic

By Pat Rupp

Farmington (7-5-1) capped its three-game unbeaten run through the Louie Schmitz Holiday Classic with a convincing 7-3 win over former Missota Conference rival New Prague (9-5-1) Friday night at Schmitz-Maki Arena.

Lakeville North also won its three games in the tourney and edged out the Tigers for the title in the eight-team competition determined by a point system. In the end, the Panthers claimed the crown by allowing two fewer goals in their three games (5 to 3).

“We started the first period against New Prague where we left off in the Northfield game,” Farmington coach Jon Holmes said. “Our energy was better and we were getting more pucks to the middle of the ice and creating better opportunities.”

Leading scorers Claire Enright (from Brenna Fuhrman) and Samantha Moehle each garnered first period goals to stake the locals to a 2-0 lead.

“Our first goal was on the power play goal and the second was a shorthanded goal so it was good to see the special teams get off to a good start,” Holmes said.

Farmington scored three unanswered goals to open the second period, one apiece by Moehle, Fuhrman and Ava Johnson. Johnson’s goal was the first of her varsity career.

Enright (2), Fuhrman, Moehle, Carly Lancaster, Grace Auge, Kelsie Vincent all had assists in the breakout second period.

After the Trojans finally got on the board later in the second, Carly Lancaster’s goal made it to 6-1 with a period to play.

New Prague netted the first two goals of the final frame before Auge (from Fuhrman) scored the final goal of the night with five minutes left in regulation

“It was also nice to get scoring from some others than our top line,” coach Holmes said. “They have certainly had their chances throughout the past few games so it was nice to see them tally multiple goals.”

The suddenly potent Farmington offensive attack put 45 shots on the New Prague net. The Trojans finished with 23 against Tiger netminder Ryleigh Furlong who totaled 20 saves.

The defense also did its part, especially on the penalty kill where Farmington skated off six of seven Trojan player-advantage opportunities.

“The penalty kill has been getting better as we have matured,” Holmes said. “We are not compromising ourselves as much with out-of-position play like we did early in the year. Still lots to work on, but it has gotten much better.  The one goal we did give up on the kill was a 5-3 situation.”

The Tigers entertain Lakeville North on Thursday night at Schmitz-Maki, a game which could weigh heavily in the post-season seedings. Farmington defeated North 4-2 when the teams faced off earlier this season in Lakeville.