CC players do well filling their roles

Tigers senior Kris Fredheim laid out three hard hits, including one as the first-period buzzer sounded to set the tone of a physical game Saturday night. The game teetered on the brink of getting out of control in the third period when Duluth took 11 of its 16 penalties, allowing CC to record three power-play goals to pull away for the 6-4 win.

They may have been frustrated by 18 hits recorded by CC in the second period alone.

“We were hitting just as much on Friday,” Fredheim said. “We knew we had to bring the physical aspect of our game because we’re not as skilled as we were last year.”

Fredheim’s play exemplified how the Tigers all filled their roles with Fredheim, Nick Dineen, Ryan Lowery, Nate Prosser taking it to the Bulldogs physically.

Stephen Schultz recorded a point for the sixth game in a row while Bill Sweatt has 12 points in his last five games. Prosser has a five-game point streak of his own.

Factor good play from Mike Testwuide (one goal), Rylan Schwartz (one goal, two assists) and William Rapuzzi (one goal, one assist) and most everyone chipped in. Freshman Joe Howe had 34 saves in a strong effort too.

“Players young and old all played their roles,” coach Scott Owens said “It was the best 60 minutes we’ve played this season.”

Tigers defense shines

The Tigers defense did an excellent job getting a stickblade in the passing lanes, forcing Duluth to the outside much of the game. The only dangerous straight-on rush Duluthmanaged was a shorthanded attempt by captain Drew Akins, who was called for roughing when he bowled over Howe with 15:43 left in the third period.

The save kept it 3-1 and set up the fourth Tigers goal on the ensuing 5-on-3 power play.

The roots of Duluth blue-liner Chad Huttel’s attack on Schultz might be traced back to that power play goal. Schultz passed the puck between Huttel’s legs to Rylan Schwartz for the easy tap-in with 15:18 left in the game. Huttel played angry for the rest of his time on the ice.

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Special teams

CC went 5 for 13 on he power play this weekend while Duluth was 2 for13. The Tigers penalty kill generated four shorthanded chances in two games. The closest came when Brian McMillin shot and almost batted in his own rebound Saturday.

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