The North Iowa Bulls came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Granite City Lumberjacks, but did just enough to escape with a 4-3 victory.
North Iowa led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Bulls\’ Rihards Marenis scored at 10:36 in the first period to put North Iowa up 3-0.
After the loss made the series score 1-0 in the best of three series, Granite City faces elimination next time out.
The Bulls were led by Brandon Anderson, who registered one goal and one assist. Anderson scored 16:41 into the third period to make the score 4-3 North Iowa. Logan Murphy picked up the assist.
North Iowa stifled the Lumberjacks\’ power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.
North Iowa additionally got points from Conor Jonasson, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Ian Penvose also scored for North Iowa. Other players who recorded assists for North Iowa were Ron Lindgren, Dominik Florian, Austin Jackson, and Matt Kroska, who each chipped in one.
Granite City put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Bulls to score on any of their three power plays.
The Lumberjacks were helped by Christian Mohs, who had one goal. Mohs scored 11:24 into the second period to make the score 3-2 North Iowa. Aidan Verbeke provided the assist. Others who scored for Granite City included Travis Kothenbeutel and Nick Haase, who each put in one. In addition, Granite City received assists from Roy Grandov, Gavin Porter, Drew Otto, and Morgan Martelle, who contributed one each.
Chris Amsden rejected 26 shots on goal for North Iowa. The Bulls incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Scott Murray recorded 24 saves for Granite City. The Lumberjacks incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.