Waunakee, MG and Soup

Statewide News, Updates and Preview of Tonight’s Match Ups

Written by Chris Walby

December 7, 2010

Battle of the Barn

Bragging rights are on the line tonight when the Waunakee Warriors and Deforest Norskies hit the ice at the new Waunakee/Deforest Ice Rink in Waunakee, Wis. 

Both programs, Waunakee and Deforest, call the new facility home and tonight is their first match up since the rink opened this past November.

“It’s always fun to play in front of a nice crowd and especially with a good crowd, but were just gonna take it shift by shift and just focus on getting the W,” said Eric Behrend, Senior and Assistant Captain for the Warriors.  Waunakee is coming off of a tough 6-3 loss to Monona Grove this past Saturday. 

"I tip my hat to Monona Grove.  They came out firing on all cylinders and took it to us in the third. We'll bounce back though. We got back to work yesterday at practice and we're ready to go tonight,” said Behrend. 

Rivalry in the Old Barn

Just down the road from the new Waunakee/Deforest rink, sits the historic Hartmeyer ice arena on Madison’s eastside.  Madison legends like Bob and Gary Suter, former Badger standouts like the Granato brothers, Rob Andringa and Brian Rafalski, use to call Hartmeyer home back in the day. 

Tonight, Badger South rivals, Monona Grove and Edgewood, are looking to make some more of their own memories in the old barn.  “Oh yeah, biggest rivalry we have for hockey,” said Dylan Zink, senior defenseman for Monona Grove.  “You dont really need any extra motivation for this one.” 

Monona Grove (1-0-0) has been idle all season up until last Saturday’s 6-3 win over Waunakee, but keeping their focus in preperation for this game apparently hasn’t been a problem. 

“Its been pretty good around here,” says Zink in reference to the program’s focus.  “The lines are starting to click together and for the most part, practice has been real high tempo.” 

Edgewood (3-1-0), who has beaten Monona Grove the past four meetings, dating back to Zink’s sophomore year, is looking to get back on track after a 4-1 loss to Verona this past Friday night. 

Beat Down Behind the Barn

Sources out of “Souptown” say that the top ranked Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes played the bully roll against the fifth ranked Superior Spartans this past Saturday night at Hobbs Arena in Eau Claire, Wis. 

The scoreboard read Old Abes 5-2 over the Spartans, but the scorecard was hands down in favor of the Old Abes, who are physical and bigger then the Spartans.