Dietz, New Ulm Eagles crush Luverne 8-0

By ANDY ROGERS

Journal Sports Editor

NEW ULM -- Starting out the season on the right skate was the goal going into the season

An 8-0 win is "definitely" a good way to start, according to Eagles head coach Todd Nelson.

The New Ulm Eagles girls' hockey team dominated Luverne on all fronts.

Luverne couldn't stop junior forward Ashely Dietz as she led the team with four goals in the shutout.

Goalie Jenny Neveln stopped every puck slapped her way as well and the Eagles had one penalty.

"I think everybody was clicking on all cylinders," Nelson said. "We still obviously have some things to work on; some things to fine tune, but everybody was going hard to the puck."

Nelson said he saw the game as a good way to evaluate the team after what he says was a strong preseason.

"Always a good way to see where you're at and be able to work on a lot of things," Nelson said.

The Eagles kept the pressure on for the full three periods scoring three in the first, three in the third and two in the third. Nelson said the team worked on staying at the top of their game through three periods.

"We worked very hard in the preseason to try to get in shape so we can go a full three periods," Nelson said. "We got three lines again this year that should be able to go all the time. We got a lot of young players but we got a lot of experience."

Dietz scored the first goal off a fast break in the first period. Nikki Williams scored the next one with 10:09 left in the first half. Kyla Hoffmann assister Williams for the score.

After a couple of shots at the Luverne goalie Bethany Rosenberg, Jocelyn Janni got one in for the last score of the first period.

The Eagles along with Dietz took over in the second period. Dietz scored her second goal with 9:26 left in the second period. Dietz scored after the puck bounced off the goalies glove and into the net during a power play putting the team up 5-0.

Dietz wasn't finished. She scored her fourth goal with 1:39 left in the period. She was assisted by Liz Bode.

"She definitely stepped it up. She had a good game tonight," Nelson said.

Nelson also noted that many other player scored and that has been key in the past.

"Like last year, the key to our success was getting scoring across all three lines and that way it's hard for them to mix and match when everybody's doing their job." Nelson said.

He said that's the key to winning the games is having everyone perform at their best, not just one person.

Even after the Eagles took a commanding lead.The team didn't let up. The stood strong into the third period and Nelson said he wanted to work on refining some skills.

"I stress that even though you're up on a game you've got to keep digging; keep pushing the net," Nelson said. "But also in a game like this you can work on some things like better passing, setting up the triangle.

The Eagles put up two more goals in the third period with scores by Angie Seifert, with Mary Otis with the assist and Nikki Williams got her second with 3:09 left in regulation.

The team will travel to Hutchinson Saturday for a 2 p.m. drop.