Posted on Sep 22, 2008

Two more games… two more wins. This past weekend the Granite City Lumberjacks used timely goal scoring and tough-nosed defensive as a deadly combination in route to victories over the Minnesota Wildcats and Twin Cities Northern Lights. ‘Jacks goalie, #01 Tyler Venne, would work both games between the pipes and stop a total of 52 shots. Granite City Lumberjacks 4 Minnesota Wildcats 1 The weekend began with the Lumberjacks taking on the Minnesota Wildcats in a match-up at home. The game between the two teams marked the third and final home game to be played on the Ritsche side of the MAC. Ritsche Arena had been claimed as the home rink for the Lumberjacks, while Torrey Arena construction was quickly being completed. The first period began with the Lumberjacks coming out firing the puck; however, both teams would remain scoreless until the 11:26 mark. #24 Fred Bidinger would one-time a shot from the high slot just over the glove of Wildcats goalie, #39 Zak Reneau to make the score 1-0. Assists on the power play goal would be given to #18 Tyler Wahl and #13 Shane Doerfler. The final 8 minutes of the period would quickly go by with both teams continuing to not capitalize on their scoring chances. The teams would combine to fire 24 shots on net. The intermission scoreboard would read 1-0 Lumberjacks. The second period began with the men in stripes showcasing their whistle blowing skills. Frequent stops in the play of the game would cause fans to become edgy and rowdy towards the three who were dressed in black and white. The teams would combine for 16 total penalties and 8 power play opportunities. #15 Bobby Thompson would continue his goal-scoring streak with a short-handed goal at 7:26. #14 Kent Kirby would be credited with the lone assist. #27 Matthew Graves would score a power play goal at the 16:00 mark to cut the Lumberjacks lead to 2-1. The game would continue to be dominated by the Lumberjacks for the rest of the period. The ‘Jacks would outshoot the ‘Cats by a 2704 margin. The final period of the game would also be labeled as Lumberjacks domination. The Lumberjacks would outshoot the Wildcats once again and go onto win the game 4-1. #03 Brad Phenow and #05 Matt Johnson would pick up goals in the third to complete the scoring sheet. #22 Brady Borer and #07 Tyler Sura would pick up the assists on #03 Phenow’s power play goal at 6:10. #07 Sura and #14 Kirby would both pick up their second assists of the night on #05 Johnson’s goal. The Lumberjacks would outshoot the Wildcats 18-4 in the period and finish the game with a total of 60 shots. Granite City Lumberjacks 3 Twin Cities Northern Lights 2 Saturday’s afternoon battle with the Northern Lights proved crucial for the standings. The winner of the game would take over first place in the league and sole bragging rights to the first couple weeks of the young season. Any sports fan knows that a key component to winning on the road is usually done by scoring first. The Lumberjacks would use this recipe for success on Saturday by taking the early 1-0 lead at the 3:13 mark. #22 Brady Borer would notch an even strength goal with after receiving a passe from #07 Tyler Sura and #05 Matt Johnson. Eight minutes later, #03 Brad Phenow, would score a power play goal for the second straight game to make the score 2-0. Assists on the goal would go to Defenseman #24 Fred Bidinger and Forward #15 Bobby Thompson. The Northern Lights would quickly respond with two goals of their own at the 12:34 and 19:30 marks. Both goals would be scored even strength and send the teams into the intermission knotted at 2. The second period would be highlighted by Northern Lights domination. For the second straight game the Lights continued to fire everything but the kitchen sink on net without any real luck. The allotted 20 minutes for the period would come and go without either team able to crack the scoreboard. The ‘Lights would outshoot the Lumberjacks 14-3 in the period. The second intermission would breed life into the Lumberjacks and send them into an opportunistic frenzy early in the final frame. ‘Lights goalie, #35 Zach Anderson, would stand tall between the pipes and only one goal in the period; however, it would be the shot that would net the game-winner. #19 Alex Naujokas would score the game-clincher at 14:18 and send the Lumberjacks home with a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The game would end with the Lumberjacks being outshot 36-30. #01 Tyler Venne would get credit for the win with his 34 saves. Next game: Friday, September 26 vs. Minnesota Flying Aces @ 7:05 p.m. (game to be played at the MAC)