Moose top Kenai at home

PALMER — The Palmer Moose began a three-day defense of their home ice off right with a solid 5-2 victory over Kenai Central Thursday night at the MTA Palmer Ice Arena.

The teams started off the first period without many scoring opportunities and both squads struggled to make their goalies work. But Palmer overcame the slow start to score its second win over Kenai Central in three weeks.

“We didn’t come out full speed. We were lackadaisical in the corners,” Palmer senior defenseman Nick Reeves said.

The puck bounced in favor of the Moose late in the first period. Junior defenseman Brennan Harrison one-timed a hard rebound to put the Moose on the board.

After the first intermission, the Moose came out firing. Palmer scored three times in the period. The scoring included a Reeves one-timer from the point.

Kenai senior captain Morgan Cunningham helped the Kards try to keep it close. With 5:47 remaining in the second, Cunningham took advantage of a Palmer turnover and skated 3-on-1 toward the net and would not be denied.

The Moose continued to play well consistently, despite the mishap. Ivan Good and Jack Reeves each chipped in goals from just outside the crease. Jack Reeves’ goal was his first in a Palmer uniform.

“It was pretty exciting,” said Jack Reeves.

TJ Wagoner would add a breakaway goal late for the Kardinals, but by that time the game was well in the hands of the Moose.

Dalton Buness also contributed a goal in the third period. Buness dangled the puck in front of the Kenai defender before redirecting and firing to build the Moose lead.

The game is the first of three against Kenai Peninsula opponents. Palmer hosts Homer tonight at 7 p.m. and Soldotna Saturday at noon.

“It’s kind of a marathon,” said Palmer head coach Brad Hanson.

Kenai faces Colony tonight at 5:15 at the Brett Memorial Ice Arena in Wasilla.

Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School and contributes to the Frontiersman sports and schools sections.