Dennis Grall | Daily Press Joe Jacobson (16) of Escanaba, wedged between Tawas goalie Ethan Haire (30) and Matt Binder (9) tries to reach the puck in the first period Friday at Hannahville Ice and Turf Complex in Wells. Esky burst to an 8-0 first period lead and beat the Braves 16-0 that ended after two periods under the mercy rule.

WELLS — The Escanaba Eskymos had things very much their way Friday night as they skated to a 16-0 hockey triumph over first-year entry Tawas Area.

Esky spent much of the time in its attacking zone, outshooting Tawas 33-4 in a contest stopped after two periods due to the mercy rule.

“We did a lot of good things,” said Esky coach Matt Hughes. “We shared the puck and passed around well. This is their first year as a high school team. All their kids played house hockey. They asked to come up here and we appreciate them making the trip. They want to get better just as we do.”

The Eskymos (5-6) scored eight times in each period, outshooting Tawas 21-2 in the opening frame and 12-2 with a running clock in the second.

“We just have to fight through it,” said Braves’ coach Mel Rettell. “We settled down a little in the second period and tried to learn something. They have a good program up here. They’re a top-notch team.”

Junior forward Grant Wickham and sophomore forward Nick Kolich each scored a hat trick. Senior forward Jacob LaFave, junior forward Devin Fisher and sophomore defenseman Kadon Hayes added two goals apiece.

Junior forward Luke Labre led in assists with four and Wickham had three.

Esky freshman goaltender Bryce Buchbinder stopped all four shots. Sophomore Zachary Bocker had 17 saves for Tawas (2-7-1).

“We changed our lines a little tonight,” said Hughes. “We wanted to try different combinations. We just tried to keep the kids doing good things.”

Junior forward Grant LaMarche opened the scoring just 73 seconds into the contest. The Eskymos had six on the board within the first 7:44.

The teams play again today at 1 at the Hannahville Ice & Turf Complex.

The summary:

Tawas Area 0 0 — 0

Escanaba 8 8 — 16

First period

E — LaMarche (Jacobson), 1:13

E — Fisher (Silverstone, LaMarche), 3:44

E — Kolich (Bourdeau), 5:41

E — Hayes (unassisted), 6:17

E — Labre (LaFave), 6:44

E — Wickham (Kolich), 7:44

E — Kolich (Wickham), 11:40

E — LaFave (Mylander), 12:51

Second period

E — Hayes (Labre), 2:26

E — LaFave (Labre, Karson Krutina), 3:29

E — Wickham (Reinhart), 5:40

E — Jacobson (Kyle Krutina), 7:19

E — Wickham (Labre), 8:16

E — Fisher (Wickhan, Labre), 8:44

E — Kolich (Bourdeau, Wickham), 12:32

E — Kyle Krutina (Labre), 14:50

Shots on goal: Escanaba 33, Tawas Area 4

Goaltender saves: Escanaba (Buchbinder 4), Tawas Area (Bocker 17).

Power plays: Escanaba none, Tawas Area 0-2.

Penalty minutes: Escanaba 2-4, Tawas Area none.