Tim Chapman/PCT Rugby High School junior Ethan Clements makes a save in a win over Hazen-Beulah at Al Wentz Arena on Dec. 19. The Bottineau-Rugby Braves won 9-2.

The Bottineau-Rugby Braves picked up their first wins of the season, beating Hazen-Beulah 9-2 on Dec. 19 and Williston 7-2 the following day.

The first win came at Al Wentz Arena and the second win at Bottineau Community Arena.

Junior goaltender Ethan Clements (RHS) gained confidence as the Braves’ offense exploded after an 0-3 start to the season. Clements had 28 saves in the first game and 11 in the second.

The Bison scored the first and final goals of the game, but the Braves peppered H-B with nine goals in between. B-R senior forward Luke Amsbaugh scored five goals. Casey Tooke and Austyn Lorenz scored two apiece.

Williston managed two first period goals, but the Braves scored three in the first and four in the third. Noah Grant scored a hat trick and Amsbaugh had two goals and two assists.

The team returns to the ice Friday and Saturday at a tournament in Wadena, Minn.

– Tribune Staff Report