Pat Dalbec's penalty-shot goal helped propel the Superior High School boys hockey team to a 4-1 win over Providence Academy in the opening game of the Marshall Hilltopper Holiday Classic Tuesday afternoon at Duluth's Mars Lakeview Arena.
With the game tied 1-1 with 6:42 left in the second period, Superior's constant pressure forced a Providence player to help out goaltender Michael Taffe by covering up the puck in the crease.
That resulted in a penalty shot be awarded to Superior and coach Jason Kalin picked Dalbec for the attempt.
"Dalby's one of our tricksters when it comes our showdown drill (in practice)," Kalin said. "There were other guys out there that could have done the same things, but he got the chance and was pretty excited."
The sophomore, who usually likes going high on the goalie during breakaway drills in practice, put a deke on Taffe, pulled the puck back on his forehand and slipped a wrist shot into the net just inside the right post.
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"I was nervous, just because I couldn't really decide where to go, either top right or low," Dalbec said. "The tough thing about it was trying to get my stamina back. I was a bit tired, it came at the end of my shift."
Just 1:31 later Dalbec made a behind-the-net pass to Nate Hendry, who put the puck between Taffe's legs with a one-timer from the left circle, giving the Spartans a 3-1 lead.
The Spartans sealed the victory with Sean Graskey's power-play goal with 1:16 remaining in the third period.
"We were rusty in the first period -- we haven't practiced since Friday," Kalin said. "We wanted to come a little bit more prepared, but things went well and it was a victory for us."
The Spartans now take a 4-2 record into today's semifinal matchup against Hudson at 6 p.m. The Raiders advanced with a 3-2 win over St. Francis (Ontario).
Superior is currently ranked No. 4 among teams in Wisconsin, while Hudson (6-2) is No. 10.
"We have a tough opponent today," Kalin said. "Hudson beat a good team; Fort Francis just beat up on International Falls 4-1. They were 21-1 coming into this tournament last year and they're suppose to be better this year.
"Regardless, though, our team has to focus on what we need to do to win hockey games. Right now we're lacking of the discipline that's necessary to run our systems and also for the mental aspect of the game. That could be because of lack of games, but it's early and we have to look forward to playing Hudson."
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Brian Pierpont gave the Spartans a 1-0 lead at 14:26 of the first period when he knocked home the rebound after a Graskey shot.
Providence tied the game up at 16:13 of the opening period on Blake DeRosier's power-play goal.
Matt Miller got the win in goal for the Spartans, stopping 22 shots in his first varsity start.
"There were moments where he was a bit shakey, we have to work on his playing the puck a little bit," Kalin said. "But other than that he played very well for us, was in the right positions and made some nice stops for us. I was very pleased with his effort."
Taffe finished with 25 saves for Providence Academy.
"This was a good win for us, especially after a long layoff," Dalbec said. "But we need to improve if we want to keep winning."
SPARTAN SPIN: Providence Academy is a private school located in Plymouth, Minn. The school, with an enrollment of around 800, has been open for six years and is in its second year of playing hockey. ... Also Tuesday, Duluth Marshall beat New Ulm 7-1 and Simley upended Jeffers (Mich.) 2-1.
Providence Academy 1 0 0 -- 1
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Superior 1 2 1 -- 4
First Period: 1. SHS, Brian Pierpont (Sean Graskey), 14:26. 2. PA, Blake DeRosier (Lars Gilyard, Matt Larson), 16:13.
Second Period: 3. SHS, Pat Dalbec, 10:18 (penalty shot). 4. SHS, Nate Hendry (Dalbec), 12:54 (pp).
Third Period: 5. SHS, Graskey (unassisted), 15:44 (pp).
Saves: Providence Academy, Michael Taffe 14-7-4-25. SHS, Matt Miller 6-9-7-22. Penalties: PA 5-10:00. SHS 7-14:00. Power plays: PA 1-for-6. SHS 2-for-4.
