Windigo split series with Jets in Janesville

The Wisconsin Windigo hockey team did battle once again with the Janesville Jets, this time ending in a two-game split in Janesville last Friday and Saturday. The Windigo swept the Jets a few weekends back in Eagle River. 

The Windigo kicked off their away series with a strong start on Friday, defeating the Jets 4-1. 

“I was pleased with our effort in the first period on Friday. We did a lot of things well and maintained excellent structure,” said Bryce Reddick, assistant coach for the Windigo, after Friday’s win. “We got away from that a little in the second period but finished the game strong.”

Wisconsin found the offense early as Mario DiMaggio opened the scoring, assisted by Alexios Georgaklis, and Ronnie Hill added a goal in the final seconds of the first period. 

A clearing pass deep in the Windigo zone led to a Zach Cline breakaway attempt, which led to his fifth goal of the year and extended the lead in the second period. Janesville managed a single response before the close of the middle frame as the Windigo led 3-1.

A long-distance empty-netter by Cashen Naeve sealed the win for the Windigo. Goalie Lucas Szyszka made 25 saves, while 2024 San Jose Sharks fourth-round draft pick Christian Kirsch stopped 38 for Janesville.

“I can see why San Jose drafted Kirsch. He played well in the net for Janesville all

weekend long. Overall, our guys are playing well. We do have high expectations and any loss,

whether it be in regulation, overtime or a shootout, does leave a bitter taste,” stated Reddick. 

Saturday’s game saw an early lead for the Windigo, but Janesville’s comeback momentum led to a tightly contested 5-4 finish after a shootout.

“We were a little out of sync and the Jets seemed to step up their intensity. I was pleased with our push in the third period,” explained Reddick. “That was the fourth consecutive game against them and it’s tough to win four games in a row against any team in this league.”

Alexios Georgaklis and Cashen Naeve scored in the first period, while Teddy Richardson collected a pass before he entered the offensive zone and ripped one behind the Jets late in the second. Elliot Gulley’s third-period goal tied the game at four. Despite outshooting the Jets in overtime, the Windigo fell short in the seventh round of shootouts. 

Beau Altman and Szyszka split goaltending duties, with Altman allowing four goals early and Szyszka keeping the Jets at bay for the remainder.

In collaboration with the Vilas County Veterans Service Office, the Windigo will host Military Appreciation Weekend on Nov. 15 and 16, offering free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel. 

Game-worn military-themed jerseys will be sold, and 50/50 raffles will be held to benefit local veterans. Opening faceoff is 7 p.m. both nights, and tickets are available online at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com/tickets or at the door commencing one hour prior to the opening faceoff.