CADILLAC — The emotional high didn’t last.

Cadillac, coming off a thrilling overtime win against Negaunee, couldn’t keep up the same level of spirit and intensity.

Instead, the Vikings found themselves on the other end of the spectrum in a 4-0 loss to Jackson United in a non-conference hockey contest Saturday at the Wexford Civic Arena.

It’s finding a level of consistency that veteran Cadillac coach Scott Graham wants to see as the season heats up big time in two and a half weeks before the holiday break.

“It’s all about learning,” he said. “You go from Big Rapids to Negaunee riding the high of that change and riding that wave of overcoming adversity to win.

“It had the makings of giving us confidence in elevating our play and you’re looking for consistency in doing that. We saw what we’re capable of but we did not have that same level of grit, determination and perseverance that we had against Negaunee the other night.”

Jackson United scored 5:21 into the first period and then with 5:31 left for a 2-0 lead.

Cadillac, for its part, continually had good opportunities to score but never could. Not finding the back of the net seemed to wear down the Vikings as the game went on, Graham said.

“We found some new adversity within ourselves with the frustration level we were seeing,” he said. “We had plenty of chances to get pucks on net and we didn’t.

“We made life easy on their goaltender. We’ve got to find a way to battle through and not get frustrated.”

Penalty trouble hampered Cadillac, too, as Jackson’s third goal came on a 5-on-3 advantage with 2:08 left in the second period.

“I think the frustration mounted and it was difficult for us to find a way out of that hole,” Graham added.

Cadillac outshot Jackson 32-27 with Viking goalie Nick Brandsma stopping 23 shots.

The schedule ramps up quickly as the Vikings (3-2 overall) host Cheboygan on Wednesday and then open Big North Conference play Friday at Traverse City Central. The game against the Trojans opens a string of four straight on the road, all against Big North teams

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