Saturday's season opener in Fergus Falls was a good taste of what the Detroit Lakes girls' hockey team's first line can offer for the 2010-11 season -- and that's plenty of scoring.
The first line trio of Brianna Seebold, Callie Johnson and Emily Payne each notched points in a closely-fought 5-3 loss to the Otters, as the three accounted for all of the Lakers' three goals.
The Lakers outshot the Otters by a 29-19 margin, but it was Fergus Falls which put together three consecutive goals to key the victory.
"We are expecting high production out of our first line this season," said DL head coach Dan Maloney. "Overall, it was a good opener for the team and I felt we played well for most of the game."
Seebold put DL on the board first in the opening minutes of the game (assist went to Johnson), but Otter forward Aimee Magnusson notched the first of her two goals a minute behind DL's first tally.
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After that, Fergus Falls went on a four-goal scoring spree for the 5-1 advantage. May Swiontek had three assists for the Otters, along with Magnusson's two tallies.
"Three of their goals came on scrums in front of the net in rebound situations," Maloney said. "We could have done a better job covering up the puck."
Seebold notched goal No. 2 on an unassisted short-handed effort, to pull DL to within 5-2. DL capped the scoring in the third period on Payne's goal, with Seebold and defensive player Emily Raboin assisting.
Eighth grader Veronica Badurek made her varsity debut at goalie, stopping 14 Otter shots.
"She did well and had some nice saves," Maloney said. "I was impressed with her composure and her focus after giving up some goals. Veronica was prepared for the game and didn't get shaken up at all."
The Laker junior varsity won 3-1 over the Otters, as well.
The Lakers (0-1) will play in Alexandria Thursday and then host Rocori Friday at 7:30 p.m. for DL's home opener in Kent Freeman Arena.
