Muskie girls show better effort

Sometimes, a team’s progress can be measured even in defeat.
The Muskie girls’ hockey team (0-2) were on the short end of a 3-0 loss against the Dryden Eagles (2-0) up there last night, but looked much better than in Tuesday’s season-opening 11-3 defeat here to Dryden.
“It was an excellent effort,” said Muskie assistant coach Greg Ross. “The forwards were making a lot better decisions on forechecking and backchecking, and the defence played well at both bluelines.”
Goalie Megan Bob was solid in her role as the starter, allowing only Jessica Brown’s goal at 4:57 of the first period during her time between the pipes.
Kim Pacarenuk, who started Tuesday’s game, then kept the Muskies in the game when she took over in goal for the second half of the game. But she had no chance in the third when the Eagles tallied twice in 53 seconds.
Jane Cortens wired a shot from the slot off the post and in at the 15-second mark to make it 2-0. Then at 1:08, Carly Brown eluded the Muskie defence to cash in on her chance from close range.
“We missed a defensive assignment and left her all alone in front,” said Ross. “But it was a lot more efficient game for us all the way around.”
Dryden goalie Melissa McDonald earned the shutout to pick up her second win this week against the Muskies, who Ross said still need to refine their game in the attacking zone.
“We had some good chances offensively but we need more,” he stressed. “We didn’t go to the openings, and there was a little bit of panic when we got the puck.
“But our confidence will get better.”
The Muskies head to International Falls for an exhibition clash with the Broncos tonight at 7:30, then return to NorWOSSA action with a game in Kenora on Tuesday night.