Rebels boys hockey still trying to find a groove

The Moose Lake Area boys hockey team dropped a tough 3-1 decision at home Jan. 5 against Mora/Milaca, putting their record at 3-9 on the season.

"They really took it to us in the first two periods," said Rebels coach Chris Gamst.

According to Gamst, one of the biggest issues the Rebels have faced all year has been the lack of scoring, something he is hoping to rectify in the second half of the season. Currently the top line for the Rebels consists of Jaxsyn Schmidt, Dawson Fjosne and Joey Olson. Olson is a junior, and Schmidt and Fjosne are seniors.

"We returned four defensemen from a year ago and some of them are among our best offensive players," Gamst said. "We've talked to the guys about moving a couple of them up to forward to see if we can't get more offensive production the last part of the season."

Through 12 games, the Rebels have averaged about 2 ½ goals per game. Gamst and his squad would like to see that number move up over the rest of the season.

MLA also had the tough task of opening with 10 of their first 12 games on the road, but that will change now that the holiday break is behind them.

"We just don't get a lot of time to practice because of being on the road so much," Gamst said.

Junior goaltender Eli Gilbertson has been - and remains - a key player for the Rebels between the pipes.

"He's been very good for us," said Gamst. "He is really one of the bright spots for our team."

MLA has also had good leadership this season with captains Jordan Bird, Dalton Slama, Schmidt and Fjosne.

"They have provided great leadership for us," Gamst said. "We'll need that leadership to help us over the last half of the season."