The Warren 67’s made their Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League debut at home this past weekend, facing a steep learning curve against two veteran clubs but showing signs of potential as the season unfolds.
In their inaugural outing Friday night, the 67’s fell 9-3 to the visiting Red River Mudbugs at Access Credit Union Arena. Dylan Riddell opened the scoring for Warren in the second period, assisted by Evan Roy and Justin Braid, before Braid added another goal later in the frame. Ben McKenzie capped the night with a late third-period marker assisted by Ethan Shymko.
Goaltender Dallas Shaver faced heavy pressure throughout, turning aside 26 shots as the Mudbugs pulled away with six goals in the third period. Red River’s Ty Tarnick scored twice and Ethan Clace collected three assists to lead the visitors.
On Saturday, Warren returned to home ice with a much sharper effort but came up just short in a 4-3 loss to the East St. Paul Gators.
Emry Bunting put the 67’s on the board late in the first period from Gavin Winram, who went on to have a standout game with a goal and two assists. Alternate captain Owen Shymko struck early in the second and assisted on Winram’s third-period tally, but East St. Paul responded with four unanswered goals midway through the contest, including a power-play goal by Carter Reid.
Goaltender Preston Laschyn was a bright spot for Warren, stopping 44 shots in his first start of the season.
The 67’s will look to build on their strong offensive showing when they host the Springfield Xtreme on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m., before heading to East St. Paul for a rematch the following night.
