McFarland boys hockey advances to next round of the playoffs with a victory over Homestead

Entering the playoffs as the sixth seed, the McFarland boys hockey team scored a 6-2 upset win over the No. 3 seeded Homestead Highlanders on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Ozaukee Ice Center.

McFarland sophomore JJ Blattner scored the game’s first goal at the 5:53 mark in the first period, assisted by junior Liam Reagan. Alejandro Brooks tied the game at 1-1 with a goal later in the first period for Homestead.

In the second period, senior Mason Pommerening scored at the 2:27 mark, assisted by sophomore Callen Haas and junior Ty Paulios.

After Ian Magnuson tied the game for Homestead later in the period, junior Aaron Nale gave McFarland a 3-2 advantage heading into the break, scoring unassisted at the 11:29 mark.

McFarland, who never trailed in the game, then scored three goals in the third period to pull away with the win. Senior Drew Snyder scored at the 9:23 mark, off assists from Pommerening and senior Sean Pritchard.

Junior Will Reay scored unassisted at the 12:53 mark and junior Nolan Sturmer scored on an empty net at the 15:09 mark in the third period to cap off the 6-2 win.

In net, senior goaltender Raymond Wheaten recorded 30 saves for a 94% save rate.

McFarland (12-13) faces Fond du Lac Springs, the No. 2 seed, in the next round on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Blue Line Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac. The Ledgers are 16-9 on the season.