The Bottineau-Rugby Braves boys’ varsity hockey team took down the Hazen-Beulah North Stars 5-2 on the road last Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Braves had a strong opening offensively and defensively in the first period of the game. The Braves were the first to strike. Junior forward Gavin Bartsch was the first to score, driving the puck into the back of the net late into the first period on even strength 15 minutes 25 seconds into the period. An assist from junior forward Grady Glasner and junior defender Logan Biberdorf helped Bartsch secure the Braves’ lead in the first period. The first period was scoreless otherwise, but both the Braves and the Northstars earned minor penalties. Junior forward Trevor Krause earned the Hazen-Beulah North Stars their first penalty of the game on an interference call five minutes eight seconds into the first period of the game. He was only out for two minutes. Junior defender Jacob Kuntz earned the Braves their first penalty of the game eleven minutes 23 seconds into the period for hooking an opponent. He also received a two-minute stay in the penalty box.

The Braves widened their lead to 2-0 in the second period when senior forward Lucas Getzlaff scored with assistance from juniors Casey Freeman and Kaden Bristol eleven minutes 40 seconds in. The North Stars struck back soon after to put their first points on the board just over a minute later when senior Christian Heger scored, assisted by the previously-penalized Krause. Junior Oliver Sveet gave the Braves their third point of the game 15 minutes 59 seconds into the second period to bring the score back to a two-point deficit. He was assisted by senior Cooper Beckman and junior Clifdyn Brossart. Braves’ junior Grady Glasner earned the team’s second and last penalty of the game on an interference call early into the second period.

The Braves widened their lead to three as Lucas Getzlaff earned his second goal of the game just four minutes six seconds into the third period. Sophomore Tyler Dub scored a goal for the North Stars to cut the deficit back to two, but junior Peyton Getzlaff scored for the Braves, securing their 5-2 lead before the Braves secured their game victory.

The Braves improved their record on the season to 2-2 after Saturday’s game. The Braves had another game scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9 to take on Minot United, but inclement weather caused the game to be postponed. The new game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6:15 p.m. for the varsity team.