WATFORD CITY, N.D. – The Aberdeen Cougars exploded for eight goals in the second period en route to a 10-2 win over the Richland Rangers during the opening round of the Rough Rider Rumble girls’ hockey tournament Friday in Watford City.

The Cougars were able to pull away from a 2-1 lead after the opening period when they found the back of the net eight times in slightly more than 14 minutes during the second period.

“It took a little bit to get moving and passing the puck,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister. “Once we did, we created a lot of opportunities, especially with shots on the backside as well being able to get to rebounds.”

Kailyn Poppen, Morgan Jones, and Allison Woehl each had two goals in the barrage. Poppen and Jones also had three assists apiece during that period.

Weinmeister said the Cougars wore down Richland with their depth.

“I think once again our depth contributed to wearing them down as they only had two lines,” Weinmeister said.

Sydney Hofer, Aiden Raap, Alyssa Roehrich, and Madalynn Witte also scored goals in the victory.

The Cougars will continue pool play today during the three-day event. Aberdeen plays Crosby, N.D., at 11 this morning, and then Dickinson, N.D., at 7 tonight.

Aberdeen will rely on its depth to get through a busy weekend of action.

“Two games in one day and four total over the weekend in less than 48 hours will test a team’s endurance,” Weinmeister said.

Richland Rangers 1 0 1 – 2

Aberdeen Cougars 2 8 0 – 10

First Period: 1, Rich, Rayella Radke (Kynlee Vitt), 14:04; 2, AC, Sydney Hofer, 2:11; 3, AC, Aiden Raap (Ema Rehder), 1:55.

Second Period: 4, AC, Kailyn Poppen (Morgan Jones), 14:09; 5, AC, Jones (Poppen), 11:55; 6, AC, Allison Woehl (Poppen), 9:34; 7, AC, Jones (Alyssa Roehrich), 9:01; 8, AC, Poppen (Jones); 9, AC, Roehrich (Jones, Poppen); 10, AC, Madalynn Witte (Raap), :40; 11, AC, Woehl (Hofer), :09.

Third Period: 12, Rich, Audrina Schlothauer (Whitney Van Hook), 12:40.

Shots on Goal: Richland Rangers 10; Aberdeen Cougars 58.

Goalies: Richland Rangers, McKenna Haralson (48 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (8 saves).