MIDDLETON — The Cheesemakers looked good in the first period, but struggled in the second before eventually losing to Middleton 8-3 Nov. 23 in boys hockey.

Seth Brandt opened the scoring with 8:50 gone by in the first period on a power play goal, with Josh Haight and Blaze Janecke assisting. The lead didn’t last long, as Middleton scored two goals over the next 53 seconds to take a 2-1 advantage. Janecke evened the score at 2-2 with 6:26 to play in the first period, with Haight and Aidan Grey assisting.

In the second period, Middleton scored five goals in the first 13 minutes to go ahead 7-2. Wyatt Janecke momentarily stopped the run with a goal of his own, assisted by Cole Buholzer and Patrick Alt. Just over a minute later, Middleton scored again. Neither team scored in the third.

Both teams had five penalties, and both teams each scored one power play goal. Xander Obert had 37 saves in 51 minutes for Monroe, which was outshot 45-23.

The Cheesemakers are taking part in the Beloit Thanksgiving Tournament Nov. 26-27, then play at Sauk Prairie Dec. 2. The home opener at SLICE for Monroe is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 against KMMO.