The Final Countdown

This week I chose the song "The Final Countdown" by Europe. I chose this 80s hit because the winter sports season is hitting the final stretch and spring will soon be sprung (hopefully).

This past week I covered a Jacks hockey game against rival Minot State.

Then I began a two-day journey down to Bismarck to the West Region Hockey Tournament. Thursday evening, a game which I did not attend, Bottineau was upset 6-5 by Mandan in miraculous fashion. On day two the Braves were able to down Hazen-Beulah 6-2. That evening I stayed in Hazen and caught up with relatives and had a wonderful supper.

Saturday morning I scooted back off to Bismarck and watched as the Braves state hopes were dashed by Bismarck High 6-4.

There is still lots going on this upcoming week. I have boy's region basketball, 19U hockey and Bottineau the Winter Park ski team to cover.

Here are my pictures from the week, mostly from the region tourney in Bismarck:

Some crazy Jacks fans cheer as a Beaver player gazes in what one can only assume is wonder.

Jacks sophomore Donnie Iverson shoots one toward the Beavers net in the second period.

Kris Wiebe takes a shot in the second period.

Wade Haight skates the puck into the Jacks zone last Tuesday in Bottineau.

Erick Paiement attempts to wrangle a loose puck in the second period.

A Jacks fan revs the chainsaw as the Jacks enter the ice.

Jacks sophomore Jordan Kippen fights with Nigel Dube for a puck in the third period last Tuesday.

Paiement and Iverson struggle with Garrett Ferguson for control of a loose puck in the third period.

BHS junior Taylor Neubauer waits to mount the offensive Friday against Hazen.

Senior Seth Serhienko tries to rip out the puck from a Stars player in the second period Friday.

Braves junior Logan Millican is accosted while skating deep in the Bottineau zone last Friday.

Senior Leo Hoffert looks for a teammate in the third period.

Serhienko fights through three defenders to try and gain control of the puck.

A Hazen-Beulah player scratches his head as the Braves celebrate after a third period score.

Freshman Harrison Aide threads a pass to Serhienko in the third period Friday.

Serhienko attempts a backhand past a diving Stars defender in the third period.

The Braves cheerleaders do their routine to the school song before Saturday' game.

Serhienko fights with Demon defenders for a puck.

Serhienko receives a pass in the first period on Saturday.

Junior Kyle Volk tries to move past a defender in front of the Braves bench.

Aide and Serhienko skate in the Bottineau zone in the third period.

Wyatt Johnson (near), Volk (center) and Jackson Bernstein (left) go off the ice after losing Saturday.