The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team got back to its winning ways Saturday afternoon when it hosted Gentry Academy at Roy Nystrom Arena.

The Tigers, coming off a loss to Mankato East/Loyola on Thursday night, were looking to avenge that loss that ended their six-game win streak. They did that in a big way Saturday with a shutout victory over the Stars.

After a scoreless first period, it was smooth sailing for the Tigers as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Stars behind two goals from senior Cole Wentzel.

The only events of note to happen in the first period were each team being called for interference, however, neither team was able to capitalize on the power-play opportunities, sending the game to the first break tied at 0-0. Senior Jaxon Heilman played in the net for the Tigers and saved 10 of 10 shots on goal in the first.

Less than a minute into play in the second period, junior Culley Larson put Albert Lea on the board with a shot assisted by Heilman and junior Campbell Cichosz. Midway through the period, junior Owen Zelenak widened the Albert Lea lead to two goals, this time off an assist from sophomore Logan Barr. Then, with under a minute remaining in the period, Wentzel struck on a goal assisted by Cichosz, his second assist of the period. Heilman stayed perfect in the net, saving five shots on goal in the second.

Just 16 seconds into the final period, Wentzel scored an unassisted goal to put the Tigers up 4-0 and put the game out of reach for the Stars.

The Tigers hosted the Packers of Austin on Monday night, but the final results were unavailable as of press time. Look to Wednesday’s issue of the Tribune for final results and stats.

Excluding the results from Monday night’s game, the Tigers are 12-7 on the season and have six games remaining before the start of the Section 1A tournament. Their next game is Tuesday night when they travel to Faribault to take on the 11-7-1 Falcons.