Mason City, IA- The North Iowa Bulls snapped a five-game losing skid with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Austin Bruins to start a two-game series against their nearest regional rivals.
Austin dictated the pace of the offensive game for the duration of the first period but could not solve Santo Simmchen. The Dresden, Germany, native stopped all 13 shots in between the pipes to open proceedings and keep the score at 0-0 into the first intermission.
North Iowa kept the shot counter closer for much of the second and turned on their speed to capitalize on a scoring chance midway through the second period. Yibin Yoo jetted up the left wing to create a two-on-one and wired a shot through Bruin goalie Trent Wiemken to put the Bulls ahead 1-0. Austin threatened late in the second but couldn’t draw even. In fact, Cole Ward took a five-minute major penalty that gave the Bulls a power play to open the third period. North Iowa capitalized with Jack Seaverson potting a rebound to put the Bulls up 2-0.
Austin did not remain scoreless. Captain Austin Salani threaded a shot through Simmchen to give the Bruins a chance to tie the game. But ultimately, the special teams determined the night. Austin got six power play chances, including one with under two minutes left and the goalie pulled. Yet they failed to capitalize on their chances. North Iowa killed all six Bruin power play chances and secured a 2-1 victory.
Santo Simmchen led the way with a 43 save effort on 44 shots faced, recording the best performance of his season between the pipes.
Tyler Wood and Nolan Grier recorded assists on Yibin Yoo’s goal. The assist was Tyler Wood’s first in the NAHL. Charles Beland and Kash Crawford assisted on Seaverson’s power play goal.
The Bulls and Bruins close out the weekend slate on Saturday night at the Mason City Arena. Puck drops at 7:10 PM. The Bulls are auctioning off their special Military Appreciation jerseys after the game.