Novas skate past Jays

The Blue Jays started fast Tuesday night at Wilson Arena, but struggled late in a 7-3 loss to Hazen-Beulah.

The two teams erupted for seven-first period goals, three by Jamestown, but that was all the Blue Jays got in a frustrating loss to a team also low on skaters.

Megan Stark, Megan Roaldson and Mataya Olson each scored in the up and down, entertaining opening period for the Blue Jays, who had quality chances in the final two frames, but were unable to finish them off.

“It was kind of the tale of our season,” coach Kellen Bjone said. “The last 5-6 games, we’ve pretty much outshot all of our opponents, but for whatever reason, the puck just hasn’t bounced our way.

“It kind of seems like a voodoo season. You feel bad for the girls because they’re working hard and doing what we ask them to do.”

Stark scored just 55 seconds into the game, getting the Blue Jays off to a flying start. Sophomore Lexy Hastings got an assist on the goal.

The Novas answered with the next two for a 2-1 lead just 3:20 in.

Roaldson banged one past Paige Bruce for the equalizer at 8:28, making it 2-2 midway through the first. Alicia Anderson and Mataya Olson were credited with assists.

Payton Borud put the Novas back up 90 seconds later, before the Jays answered again, this time from Olson, just a freshman, who zipped one past Bruce on another Hastings assist.

“Mataya and Lexy are two of the better younger players in the state. They have a really bright future,” Bjone said.

The mounting losses have been tough for seniors Stark, Anderson and Erin Sand, however, all three of whom have been integral players during their careers.

“I’ve been coaching those girls for five years. They’ve meant a lot to the program. I just wish we could have found a way to win a few more games for them,” Bjone said.

The Novas broke the tie late in the first period on Christine Irwin’s first of two goals, just 68 seconds before the intermission.

It stayed that way until late in the second when Hazen-Beulah tic-tac-toed on the power play, with Dietz on the finishing end for a 5-3 lead.

“We played pretty well. It was one of those games where they seemed to capitalize on every mistake we made,” Bjone said.

The Blue Jays put 12 shots on Bruce in the final period and nine more in the third, but the Novas senior goalie was up to the task, making several quality stops.

“The girls are playing an exciting brand of hockey. They’re putting on a good show even though we’re not winning,” Bjone said. “It’s been frustrating, no doubt about it. But the girls keep working hard, they’re making improvements and they’re having fun.”

The Blue Jays are back in action on Friday, playing Fargo North (11-2) in Valley City at 7 p.m. in a game that was originally scheduled to be played here on Jan. 9, but was postponed due to bad weather. Their final home game is scheduled for Feb. 5 against Fargo South.

Hazen-Beulah 7, Jamestown 3

Hazen-Beulah 4 1 2 — 7

Jamestown 3 0 0 — 3

Scoring summary

First period

1, JHS, Megan Stark (Lexy Hastings), :55; 2, HB, Kara Dietz (unassisted), 1:41; 3, HB, Sara Silverthorn (Dietz, Mary Silverthorn), 3:20; 4, JHS, Megan Roaldson (Alicia Anderson, Mataya Olson), 8:28; 5, HB, Payton Borud (unassisted), 10:02; 6, JHS, Olson (Hastings), 12:32; 7, HB, Christine Irwin (Allee Mead, Samantha Mead), 15:52.

Second period

8, HB, Dietz (S.Silverthorn, Borud), 12:32 (PP).

Third period

9, HB, A.Mead (unassisted), 11:57; 10, HB, Irwin (A.Mead, Borud), 15:18.

Goaltender saves: Hazen-Beulah, Paige Bruce 14-8-10 32 saves. Jamestown, Katie Nenow 9-12-9 30 saves.

Penalties: Hazen-Beulah 3 for 6 minutes. Jamestown 2 for 4 minutes.

Records: Hazen-Beulah 7-6; Jamestown 1-12.

Sun sports writer Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: jhs, jays, bluejays, girls, hockey, sports