Both the Rock Ridge and Proctor boys hockey teams rolled to big season opening wins Thursday night.

Rock Ridge defeated Brainerd 7-3 in Matt Niskanen’s debut as head coach of the Wolverines, now in their fourth season. Niskanen, a Virginia native and NHL Stanley Cup champion, took over the program in August.

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Rock Ridge scored four goals right away in Brainerd to lead 4-1 after the first. They’d take a 5-2 lead after two, and add two more goals in the third for the 7-3 win. They were led by Grady Dimberio with two goals and two assists, Colton Bialke with two goals, and Caz Carlson with one goal and two assists. Steven Ranisate made 30 saves in goal for Rock Ridge. The Wolverines (1-0) next host Forest Lake Saturdayat 2 p.m. for their home opener at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center.

In Proctor, the Rails shut out Greenway 8-0 to start their season off 1-0. Proctor led 4-0 after one, 7-0 after two, and added one more goal in the third to secure the 8-0 win. The Rails were led by Austin Bryant with two goals and one assist, Breckin Ross with two goals, and Tanner Ross with one goal and three assists. Brayden Mclean made nine saves for Proctor, while Greenway netminder Zane Schad made 35 saves.

Proctor (1-0) next hosts Breck Friday at 7 p.m., while Greenway (0-1) hosts Red Wing for their home opener Friday at 7 p.m.