Fairmont Area Boys Hockey Falls to Redwood Valley in Big South Conference Action
UP IN THE AIR — Fairmont Area’s Axel Chapman (left) and Redwood Valley’s Knox Kramer swipe at the puck in mid-air during Big South Conference hockey action Friday night at Martin County Arena in Fairmont. (Photo by Greg Abel)
The Fairmont Area boys hockey team suffered a 4-3 loss to Redwood Valley in an intense Big South Conference matchup on Friday night. The victory ended Redwood Valley’s two-year winless streak.
Strong Start for Fairmont Area
Fairmont forward Gavin Kester opened the scoring just over nine minutes into the first period, assisted by forward Dayton Draper, giving Fairmont an early one-goal lead.
Redwood Valley Strikes Back
However, Redwood Valley responded before the end of the first period, with junior defender Kilen Cilek scoring unassisted to even the score at 1-1.
Second Period Turns the Tide
The second period proved decisive for Redwood Valley. Fairmont Area struggled with penalties, and Redwood Valley’s Nicholas Cotner took advantage with a power-play goal, assisted by Kooper Johnson, to give Redwood Valley a 2-1 lead. Shortly after, Cilek scored his second goal of the night, assisted by freshman forward Landon Stoneberg.
Fairmont Area faced offensive difficulties, failing to convert on 12 shots in the second period.
Cilek Completes Hat Trick
In the third period, Cilek completed his hat trick with an unassisted goal, extending Redwood Valley’s lead to 4-1 with just over eight minutes remaining.
Fairmont Area’s Late Rally Falls Short
Fairmont Area made a valiant comeback attempt in the third period, led by senior forward Luke Kester. He scored two goals within 30 seconds, but it wasn’t enough as Fairmont Area fell short in the 4-3 conference decision.
Looking Ahead
Redwood Valley (1-18) aims for their second win of the season as they face Windom Area at home on Monday at 7 p.m.
Fairmont Area (2-19) looks to regroup quickly for their next game, taking on La Crescent-Hokah at Martin County Arena in Fairmont today at 1 p.m.
Scoring Plays
1st Period:
- FA–Gavin Kester (Dayton Draper), 9:02
- RV–Kilen Cilek (unassisted), 0:13
2nd Period:
- RV–Nicholas Cotner (Kooper Johnson) – Power Play, 8:25
- RV–Kilen Cilek (Landon Stoneberg) – Power Play, 6:07
3rd Period:
- RV–Kilen Cilek (unassisted), 8:27
- FA–Luke Kester (unassisted), 8:04
- FA–Luke Kester (unassisted), 7:41
Shots: Fairmont Area 45; Redwood Valley 25
Saves: Carson Johnson (FA) 41; Jacob O’Halloran (RV) 22