Badgers Battle Through Tough Stretch on the Road
The Lakeshore Badgers made the snowy trek south to Muskegon on Wednesday night to take on the Grand Haven Buccaneers in a tightly contested matchup. Despite being outshot 34–14, the Badgers adopted a bend-but-don’t-break approach and stayed within striking distance throughout the contest.
The opening period ended scoreless, with both teams generating quality chances but unable to find the back of the net. Grand Haven broke through just over two minutes into the second period and added a second goal roughly seven minutes later. Lakeshore answered back four minutes later when MCC junior Cyric Jabrocki scored for the Badgers, with an assist from LHS junior Ryan Higley. However, Grand Haven capitalized once more in the final minute of the period, taking a 3–1 lead into the second intermission.
The third period was evenly played, but neither team was able to add to the scoring, sealing a 3–1 loss for the Badgers.
MCC sophomore Brockton Jabrocki took the loss in goal, stopping 31 of the 34 shots he faced. MCC senior Levi Young was named Player of the Game for Lakeshore, highlighted by a relentless defensive effort that included multiple blocked shots and standout work on the penalty kill. The Badgers were unsuccessful on five power-play opportunities but successfully killed all five of their penalties, including a five-minute major.
Following the game, the Badgers reflected on the effort, noting strong discipline on the penalty kill as a bright spot while acknowledging the need for more consistent play against top competition.
The loss brought Lakeshore’s record to 12–9 heading into a busy weekend road trip.
Weekend Road Trip Brings Close Calls
On Friday, January 30, the Badgers traveled to Gladwin to face the Flying G’s in a back-and-forth battle. The teams traded goals throughout regulation, and after three periods couldn’t decide a winner, the game headed to overtime. Gladwin ended the contest just 1:25 into the extra session, handing Lakeshore a narrow 6–5 loss.
The Badgers found success on special teams, scoring two power-play goals and killing all three penalties they faced. Lukas Schade (MCC senior) led the offense with a hat trick, while Cyric Jabrocki and Levi Young also added goals. Brockton Jabrocki made 13 saves on 19 shots, and Schade was named Player of the Game.
The road trip continued Saturday, January 31, as the Badgers crossed the Mackinac Bridge to face the Manistique Emeralds for the third time this season. In another tightly played contest, Manistique opened the scoring early in the second period on the power play. Lakeshore responded late in the period, again on the man advantage, with Lukas Schade netting the Badgers’ lone goal to tie the game.
Manistique regained the lead midway through the third period on a power-play goal that would stand as the game-winner, resulting in a 2–1 loss for Lakeshore. Brockton Jabrocki stopped 12 of 14 shots in net, while LHS sophomore Adrian Lundberg earned Player of the Game honors.
Looking Ahead
The weekend losses move the Badgers’ season record to 12–11. Lakeshore returns to action on Friday, February 6, when they travel to East Lansing to face the Capital City Caps. The Badgers’ next home game is Saturday, February 7, against the Kalamazoo Eagles, with puck drop set for 6:00 PM.
If you are interested in more of our content, head to our website at catchmarksports.com, our YouTube, or our Facebook page!
