The Granite City Lumberjacks gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Breezy Point North Stars.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Aidan Verbeke\’s goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.
Granite City was led by Verbeke, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Verbeke scored 15:44 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Granite City. Gavin Porter assisted on the tally.
The Lumberjacks kept Breezy Point\’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Troy Pierce made 31 saves on 35 shots.
Others who scored for Granite City included Zach Voss, Nick Haase, and Christian Mohs, who each put in one. In addition, Granite City received assists from David Horsmann, who had two and Blake Phenow, Taylor Brown, Brett Love, and Zac Sikich, who contributed one a piece.
The North Stars were helped by Chris Hjorth, who racked up one goal. Hjorth scored on the power play 19:49 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Breezy Point had gotten the advantage when Granite City\’s Brady Berhardson was sent off for tripping. Kyle Eberwein picked up the assist. Blake Neumann also scored for Breezy Point. More assists for Breezy Point came via Crosby Steen, Blair Seitz, and Kyle Whipple, who each chipped in one.
Austin Wilson made 21 saves for the Lumberjacks on 23 shots. Granite City totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. The North Stars incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.