The Summit High hockey team took its first step toward the goal of returning to the state tournament as the Tigers laid waste to the rival Battle Mountain Huskies Friday night at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena in Breckenridge.

The Tigers drew first blood on their way to a 4-1 victory in the battle for the Shrine Pass Cup. Senior forward Drake Blass put Summit on the board at the 8:52 mark in the first period with a shot past Husky goalie Carter Peel. Junior Travis Potts and Senior Billy Grosshuesch collected assists on the play.

Head coach Chris Ruhly said the team came out fired up, but a little sloppy in its first live action of the season.

“Everyone was excited ... top to bottom,” said the coach. “We started to relax in the second period.”

With the opening night jitters out of the way, the Tigers took over the game in the second period.

Grosshuesch struck first with a goal on an assist from Blass at just 1:43 into the period. The score came as Blass controlled the faceoff and found Grosshuesch at the point, where the senior struck for his first goal of the season.

Grosshuesch followed that up 43 seconds later with his second goal of the night, to put Summit ahead 3-0. Senior Evan Streit was credited with an assist on the goal.

Sophomore Sean Farley capped the Tigers' scoring for the game with a goal at the 6:55 mark. Mitchell Stashick picked up an assist on the play.

“It felt good to get back out there,” said Streit. He added that as the game went on the team was able to find a rhythm and play solid hockey.

The Tigers out shot the Huskies on the night, 40-21. Goalie Tyrus Vanmatre had a solid performance in the crease, stopping 20 shots.

“He stepped up when we needed him to,” said Ruhly.

Following the impressive rivalry win, the Tigers head out on the road Monday night, facing off against fellow 2010 state-qualifier Steamboat Springs.

“Now we've got to get back and regroup,” said Streit. “Without any practice, playing on the big ice, we've got to come out ready to skate.”

Ruhly said he was pleased with the victory, but said the team needs to continue to improve in some aspects, including placing shots.

“I feel we played pretty well,” said Ruhly. “I'm happy with how we started the season, but we have a lot to work on.”