DE PERE — The De Pere Voyagers (5-2) closed out the regular season in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, beating the Sheboygan Red Raiders 5-3 in a back and forth battle.
In a game that featured momentum swings, clutch goals and a late empty net dagger, the Voyagers showed resilience as they prepare to shift their focus toward regionals.
Senior Max Greenya said the team’s focus entering the night was simple.
“My mindset was just going to play out strong,” Greenya said. “It’s the last regular season game, so really just get up to speed with the boys and get a good win.”
The intensity showed early.
With 2:11 remaining in the first period, Wyatt Williams broke through for De Pere’s opening goal, finishing off a smooth assist from Ace Wiskow to give the Voyagers an early lead. Just over a minute later, Greenya found the back of the net with 35 seconds left in the period, sending De Pere into the break with momentum and a two goal cushion.
Sheboygan responded in the second period, capitalizing on opportunities and tightening the contest. After the Red Raiders clawed back into it, Kade Koszarek delivered a key answer midway through the period. With seven minutes left in the second, Koszarek buried a goal off assists from Landen Smith and Palmer Anderson, restoring energy to the Voyagers bench.
By the end of the second period, the game was tied at 3-3, setting up a tense final 17 minutes.
Greenya credited Sheboygan’s physical play and defensive commitment for keeping things tight.
“Sheboygan has a really good goaltender and they really block shots,” Greenya said.
The third period unfolded with playoff-like tension. Both teams battled along the boards, fought for loose pucks and tested each other's defensive willpower. With just 1:39 remaining in regulation, Michael VanHelden delivered what proved to be the game-winning moment, finishing off a play set up by Austin Lee. The goal broke the tie and sent the home crowd into celebration.
As Sheboygan went to an empty net as a last ditch effort in the final seconds, De Pere sealed the outcome in dramatic fashion. With one second remaining, William Birkholz found the net to extend the lead to 5-3, putting the finishing touch on the Voyagers regular season finale.
The victory provided more than just another win on their record. It served as a confidence boost heading into the playoffs.
When asked about the team’s approach to regionals, Greenya said, “Really just tough practices this week and just get up to speed and see who we play and go on from there,”
The Voyagers ability to respond after seeing their early lead disappear and to execute late under pressure exemplifies a team finding its rhythm at the right time. With regionals looming, De Pere will look to carry that momentum forward as the stakes rise in the coming week.
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