The Lakeshore Badgers hosted the Negaunee Miners on Thursday, January 15, in a tightly contested matchup between two teams sitting side-by-side in the state rankings. With both squads posting similar results against common opponents this season, the game delivered exactly what was expected—fast-paced, physical, and competitive hockey.
Both teams traded quality scoring chances early in the opening period, but it was the Badgers who struck first. At the 7:35 mark of the first, MCC senior Levi Young broke free down the left wing and buried a shot past the Miner goaltender to give Lakeshore a 1–0 lead.
The Badgers took control in the second period, dictating play for much of the frame. Lakeshore doubled its lead at 6:57 when LHS junior Ryan Higley found the back of the net, with Young credited with the assist. Defensively, the Badgers were locked in, limiting Negaunee to just two shots on goal during the period and keeping momentum firmly on their side.
Negaunee pushed the pace in the third period, pressing aggressively in search of a goal, but MCC sophomore goaltender Brockton Jabrocki stood tall. Jabrocki turned aside all 22 shots he faced to earn the first shutout of his high school career, sealing a 2–0 victory for Lakeshore.
Special teams also played a critical role, as the Badgers successfully killed all five Miner power plays, showcasing disciplined, team-first defense throughout the night.
Following the win, the coaching staff praised the group’s growth and composure. The Badgers built on the momentum gained over the weekend against Genesee, making smart, low-risk decisions with the puck and minimizing Negaunee’s scoring chances. After coming up short in similar close games earlier in the season, Lakeshore was rewarded for its progress with a complete, confident performance.
The Badgers will enjoy the remainder of the weekend off before returning to action on January 24, when they travel to Cheboygan to take on the Chiefs.
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