Bismarck, ND- The North Iowa Bulls took to the ice on a frigid cold Friday night in Bismarck and fell to the Bobcats 5-1.
Tommy Cronin led the way for Bismarck with a hat trick, comprised of an even strength goal in the first period, a power play goal in the second period, and an empty net goal in the third and final period.
Jack Seaverson scored for the North Iowa Bulls in a four-on-four skating sequence four minutes after Cronin’s first goal and the Bulls threatened multiple times in the second and third periods, including on a power play with an extra attacker. Klayton Knapp denied the Bulls a second goal with 29 saves on 30 shots.
Cooper Conway and Billy Moloney both made their North Iowa Bulls and NAHL debuts in the game.
Landon Fandel scored a goal on a run-out goal in the second period and Matt Rafalski potted an extra goal after Cronin’s empty netter.
Santo Simmchen recorded 31 saves on 35 shots faced.
The Bulls complete their two-game series against the Bobcats on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 PM CT.