WATERTOWN – Micah Kranzler scored midway through overtime to give the Aberdeen Cougars a 4-3 boys’ hockey win over the Watertown Lakers on Sunday afternoon.
The Cougars overcame a 2-1 deficit, were forced to play extra hockey when the Lakers tied the game late in the third period, and then denied the hosts a prime scoring chance in overtime.
“We were lucky to get out of there with a win,” said Aberdeen coach Jeremey Backous. “We didn’t have our best today, but managed to find a way. Watertown played hard and made it difficult for us all game.”
The Cougars scored the only goal of the first period when Brady Oswald found the back of the net on assists from Jaxon Danielson and Aiden Postumus.
The Lakers had the only goal of the second period and then scored early the third period. However, Aberdeen responded less than 30 seconds later when Lleyton Kleffman scored on an assist from Trayke Roehrich.
Austin Schmit put the Aberdeen on top about a minute later and the score stayed that way until Watertown scored the game-tying goal on a power play with 1:16 left in regulation.
The Cougars then made big plays on both sides of the ice in the overtime.
“Early in OT, Colton Townsend made a huge save on a breakaway,” Backous said, “and shortly after, Micah scored the game-winner.”
Karsten Jeschke assisted on the final goal.
Aberdeen finished with 37 shots on goal compared to 20 for Watertown.
The Cougars, who improved to 3-1 with the win, host Mitchell at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Odde Ice Center.
Aberdeen Cougars 1 0 2 1 – 4
Watertown Lakers 0 1 2 0 – 3
First Period: 1, AC, Brady Oswald (Jaxon Danielson, Aiden Posthumus), 4:14.
Second Period: 2, W, Mylan Evans (Sawyer Knopf), 16:42.
Third Period: 3, W, Evans (unassisted), 15:42; 4, AC, Lleyton Kleffman (Trayke Roehrich), 15:18; 5, AC, Austin Schmit (unassisted), 14:05; 6, W, Colton Kasuske (Bailey Dorneman, Evans), 1:16.
Overtime: 7, AC, Micah Kranzler (Karsten Jeschke), 4:04.
Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 37; Watertown Lakers 20.
Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (17 saves); Watertown Lakers, Kohl Nygaard (33 saves).
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