For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings won the first round of playoffs, with a 9-0 Game No. 2 win against the Steele County Blades, to sweep the best of three series on Feb. 29.

Patrick McCoy had a busy night scoring a three-goal hat trick. Six Riverkings scored one goal each starting with Zack Hartley, Markus Cook, Haralds Jirgens, Roger Schoenike, Brayden Uttech, and Jordan Stear.

A wide range of assists went out to Anze Prostor, Nathan Bottles, Gabe Aigner, Patrick McCoy, Hartley, Luke Millius, Stear, Cook, and Kyle Smith. Cole Creger and Logan Harris each claimed three of their own for playmakers.

Giuliano Latella kept the net spotless as the Riverkings outshot the Blades, 45-15.

Riverkings have home ice again March 6-8, as they advance to the second round of playoffs against Minnesota Moose. Friday and Saturday puck drops 7 p.m. at South Wood County Recreation Center. A Sunday game will be added, if necessary.

The winner of the best of three goes to Boston for national competition.