The Owatonna boys' hockey team built a 3-0 lead by early in the second period and held on for a 3-2 win over Rochester John Marshall at the Rec Center Thursday night. The win earns the Huskies a season split with JM and keeps alive hopes for a home playoff game according to OHS coach Josh Storm.

Owatonna nearly scored in the opening seconds of the game as Nick Smith was denied by Will Colaiano from close range. Nate Smith scored at 14:31 on a solo rush, with the assist to Mason Oland. Owatonna held an 8-6 advantage in shots after one period.

The Huskies, who were shutout by JM 4-0 earlier this season, added back-to-back power-play goals early in the second. Tyler Wencl scored at 1:28 with an assist from Jacob Stoykovich. Then Stoykovich knocked the puck into the net 19 seconds into a man-advantage with assists from Mitch Wiese and Nick Smith at 5:19.

John Marshall's comeback started with a 5-on-3 power play goal in the closing minute of the second period by Nick Ness. Nick Hackman scored a power play goal midway through the third period to make it a 3-2 game.

Rochester pulled their goalie with about 90 seconds left and hit the pipe during the closing scramble. Zach Wiese made 22 saves for the victory. Owatonna (10-8-1) plays at South St. Paul Saturday, February 3 at 8PM and goes back to Rochester to face Mayo at Graham Arena Monday at 7:15PM on KRFO AM1390. Each game is a makeup from a weather delay. Rochester JM (5-10-3) plays Century Saturday and Monday.

The Owatonna girls' hockey team closed their home schedule Thursday with a 6-0 win over John Marshall on Senior Night. Margo Achterkirch and Chloe Schmidt each scored twice. Maylynn Prokopec had three assists. Laura Ebeling got the win in goal. The win snapped a three-game slide for the OHS.

The Huskies (15-7) play their final game of the regular season Saturday, February 3 at Wayzata at 2:30PM. The game was the regular season finale for the Rockets. Playoffs begin for both teams Wednesday, February 7. The Section 1AA bracket will be announced over the weekend.

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