The Breckenridge-Wahpeton Blades hockey team outlasted Willmar, 5-4, to win its 2024-25 home opener Tuesday at the Stern Sports Arena. Michael Petersen scored the go-ahead goal with 11:48 remaining in the third period.
Easton Neppl netted a hat trick and finished with four points to ignite the Blades offense. Jaxson Lopez chipped in two assists and one goal, while Luke Craig and Gracin Kaste contributed one assist each in the Blades (1-0-1) first win of the season.
Cale Gilbertson stopped 23 0f 27 shots between the pipes for Breckenridge-Wahpeton to earn the victory. Ian Ziehl was 32 0f 37 on save opportunities for Willmar.
The Cardinals were led by two points apiece from Max Garberding, Luke Larson and Gibson Horyza. Willmar was 2 for 3 on the power play and the Blades were 2 for 4.
