Mason City, IA- The North Iowa Bulls authored a dramatic comeback victory against the Springfield Jr. Blues on Friday night at the Mason City Arena, 4-3 in overtime.
Springfield dominated the first period 23-6 on the shot counter and snuck one puck underneath Dylan Johnson’s pad to take an early lead with a power play goal from Landry Schmuck. That power play fortune continued in the second period when Roy Chung benefited from an unusual bounce through Johnson to stake the Blues to a 2-0 lead. And Springfield seemingly put the game out of reach 1:35 into the third period when Zach Howard ballooned the lead to 3-0. But one hit changed the game’s trajectory.
Niko Laus took a five-minute major penalty for cross checking with 10:14 remaining in regulation time. The Bulls proceeded to score three power play goals in the next 3:30 of game time. Captain Blake Ulve went first at the ten-minute remaining mark of the frame. Kash Crawford scored next for his first goal in the NAHL. And Jack Seaverson capped the power play with a spectacular one timer into the top left corner to tie the game.
In the overtime period, Dylan Johnson recorded his 38th and final save of the night before Jack Seaverson ended the night with his second goal and sent the Mason City Arena crowd home happy.
The goals were Seaverson’s fifth and sixth of the season.
Teddy Richardson notched a career high three assists. Cooper Conway added two assists in his home debut.
The win is North Iowa’s eighth this season and second overtime win this year. The Bulls also have three shootout winners, making five wins that have gone beyond regulation for Head Coach Nick Bruneteau’s squad.
JJ Cataldo recorded 23 saves on 27 shots.
The Bulls and Blues conclude their weekend and season series Saturday night at the Mason City Arena. Puck drops at 7:10PM.
Fans are welcome to join the players on the ice after the game to skate with the Bulls!