By Joe Bachman

The puck and the back of the net got to know each other quite well over the weekend, as the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings swept the Chicago Cougars in a two game series.

On Friday night, leading goal scorer Ryan Mantz pulled off a hat trick in the first period, putting up three goals to put the Riverkings ahead 3-1. Harrison Kohl contributed with two assists.

However, the second period told a different story, as goals by Mike Lenzi and Jonathan Moskuluk put the Cougars even with the Riverkings making it 3-3 going into the third period.

It was Reed Kaiser who would step in to take control of the game for the Riverkings, with an assist from Ryan Mantz, Kaiser put two in the back of the net to make it a 5-3 game. Mantz would finish off the night with one more goal, leading the Riverkings to a 6-4 win. Erik Schuette picked up the win at goalie, saving 19 out of 23 shots.

Saturday night’s game was just as close, though not as offensive. After goals from Tyler Albitz and Reed Kaiser, the game would go into overtime, tied up 2-2.

Cue Ryan Mantz to continue his hot streak, as he would knock in the game winner two minutes into extra time, giving the Riverkings a 3-2 victory. Erik Schuette picked up a whopping 45 saves en route to his second straight win in goal.

This keeps the Riverkings in first place as they head to Minnesota on Friday to take on the Blaine Energy.