Pioneers earn win over Papermakers, 10-6

HOUGHTON — On Friday night, Portage Lake Pioneers defenseman Riley McKay scored three goals and added an assist in a 10-6 win over the Mosinee Papermakers in Great Lakes Hockey League action at Dee Stadium.

The Pioneers scored four goals in the first period, two more in the second and added four more in the third to earn the victory.

Defenseman Mark Halonen got the Pioneers on the board just 1:31 into the contest. Forward Cale Markham and Riley McKay both assisted on the goal.

After defenseman Ross Rouleau put Portage Lake up 2-0 at 7:47, the Papermakers cut the lead in half less than four minutes later.

Riley McKay then scored his first of the night at 15:28. Forward Brett Hauswirth picked up the lone assist.

Rouleau gave Portage Lake back the lead with his unassisted goal at 17:28.

Center Dawson McKay extended the lead just 4:26 into the second period. Forward Jonathan Bostwick picked up the lone assist on the goal.

Hauswirth answered another goal from the Papermakers to regain the two-goal advantage at 6-4 when he scored with 5:58 left in the middle frame.

Mosinee cut into the lead again just 1:46 into the third, but Rouleau scored his third of the night at 5:27. Riley McKay then struck at 8:52 to put the Pioneers up 8-5.

After Mosinee struck again to make it 8-6, Riley McKay scored at 13:06 and Markham scored unassisted with 1:16 left in the contest to seal the win.

Goaltender Brian Brzezinski made 24 saves to earn the win.

The Pioneers make a quick trip to Marquette this Friday March 1st before heading back for a slate of four home games to finish out their #GLHL season.