Two straight goals by Branden Cecil sparked a Rogers comeback as the Royals defeated Orono 5-3 in the first round of the Schwan Cup tournament Thursday.
The Royals (7-2-1) trailed 3-1 before Cecil scored at 6:23 and 13:37 of the second period, the latter of those shorthanded. The Royals took a 4-3 lead when Jacob Walker scored at 15:54 of the second.
That lead stood through the third period, with Spencer Marchand adding the clincher on an empty-net, shorthanded goal at 16:32.
Jason Roberge had the first goal for Rogers. Nate Weber assisted on three goals and Roberge on two goals. Walker had one assist.
Logan Kinsel delivered two goals for Orono and Tripp Renard had the other. The Spartans (6-4) had won four straight.
In the nets, Jackson Nelson stopped 20 of 23 for Rogers, and Jonathan Flakne was 25-for-30 for Orono.
Rogers, playing in the Bronze Division, now faces Anoka in the semifinals on Friday, 6 p.m.
