By Jacob Heid

Sports Writer

STEVENS POINT – The buzz around town early in the week was the SPASH boys’ hockey sectional semifinal matchup with No. 3-seeded Superior on Feb. 21. 

The Spartans came out swinging and gave SPASH nothing easy for all 51 minutes in a 4-2 defeat to end the season.

It didn’t take long for a section of KB Willett Ice Arena to erupt with cheers. 

Superior crept one past goaltender Hunter Christjohn 51 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead. 

The Panthers had to work for it, but a friendly bounce behind Superior’s net allowed SPASH’s Jackson Spees to tie the game at 1-1, with 5:20 left in the first period. 

The physicality ramped up and the two teams entered the locker rooms in a 1-1 tie. Superior held a 12-5 advantage in shots.

SPASH took its first lead of the game in the second period. Defender Mason Keller ripped a one-timer from the right circle to make it 2-1. 

The seesaw game continued as Superior found a goal shorthanded to tie the game back up at 2-2.   

The Panthers were held in check from there on out.

The Spartans added one more goal before the second-period horn, leading No. 2 SPASH on the road 3-2. 

A one-goal game remained as the third-period clock started to tick down. 

SPASH threw everything at Superior, but the defense didn’t budge. 

A late-period goal by Superior put a nail in the coffin of another outstanding season for SPASH hockey.  

The Panthers end the season with a 21-4 record.