By Andrew Moser
Leader Intern
The Oxford Wildcats Varsity Hockey team resumed play Jan. 3 after the holiday break and defeated Linden 5-2, extending their winning streak to four games.
Although Coach Dave Hague was skeptical of how his team was going to respond because of the extended layoff, Oxford surprised him with superior energy after a shaky start, led by Goalie Corey Hrischuk, who saved 32 of 34 shots in the game.
Oxford seemed slow from the opening faceoff, and they trailed Linden 1-0 on Darren Cross’s power play goal early in the first period. However, Oxford picked up their energy and had the game tied at one on Matt Reid’s fourth goal of the season by the end of the first period.
In the second period, Oxford expanded their lead to 3-1, getting goals from Will Buday, his thirteenth of the season, and Ben McCloskey, his seventh of the season.
The tide began to turn in the beginning of the third when Linden’s Michael Stone capitalized on a Wildcat turnover and scored, bringing Linden within a goal. Hrischuk then took the game over, not allowing a goal for the rest of the game.
‘Corey played outstanding in net, making timely saves and stopping the momentum that Linden was building at the start of the third period,? Coach Hague said.
The Wildcats put the game out of reach on Buday’s second goal, which was unassisted, and McCloskey’s second goal of the game. They both finished with two goals and two assists. Forward Chad Wicker and Defensemen Tim Dutzy also had assists in the game.
Hague said that he was pleased with the strong game after the couple of weeks without playing.
‘We were sluggish in the first, but calmed down and played well the rest of the night.?
The Wildcats have defeated Linden, Brandon, Port Huron, and Lapeer East during this recent four game winning streak, raising their overall record to 5-5, 4-2 in Flint Metro League play, which is third behind Fenton and Flint-Kearsley.