Waupaca hockey rallies in third period to defeat Appleton United

The Waupaca Comets scored twice in the third period to overcome a one-goal deficit and defeat Appleton United 2–1 in a hard-fought contest marked by physical play and disciplined defense.

Appleton United struck first midway through the opening period. At 8:30 of the first, Max Vanden Langenberg found the back of the net at even strength, finishing a play set up by team captain Birk Kozlowicz. The goal gave Appleton a 1–0 lead that they carried through the remainder of the period.

The first period also featured a series of penalties that set the tone for a physical matchup. Waupaca’s Reed Rogers was called twice for minor penalties—roughing and interference—while Appleton’s Kozlowicz was assessed a minor for interference late in the period.

Despite several power-play opportunities for both sides, neither team was able to capitalize in the second period. Appleton United took three minor penalties during the frame, including calls for cross-checking, tripping, and roughing, while Waupaca’s Finn McGuire was penalized for head contact. Strong defensive play and solid goaltending kept the game locked at 1–0 heading into the final period.

Waupaca finally broke through in the third. At 7:25, Nate Hines (#18) tied the game at even strength, finishing a setup from Parker Saunders. Less than two minutes later, the Comets took the lead when Brogan Hirte scored at 9:04, assisted by Emmerich Trzebiatowski, giving Waupaca a 2–1 advantage.

The closing minutes were intense and chippy. Both teams exchanged cross-checking minors at 16:54, with Appleton’s Rylee Richter and Waupaca’s Blake Jones sent to the box. Shortly after, Appleton’s Tyler Bishop was assessed two misconduct penalties—one for unsportsmanlike conduct and another for abuse of officials—effectively ending Appleton’s hopes of a late comeback.

With disciplined play down the stretch, the Comets held on to secure the victory, completing their third-period rally and earning a 2–1 win over Appleton United.