The Breezy Point North Stars had trouble finding ways to stop the xGranite City Lumberjacks, which beat North Stars, 9-2.
Aidan Verbeke had two goals and one assist to lead xGranite City. Verbeke scored the first of his two goals at 59 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 xGranite City. Verbeke\’s next tally made the score 9-2 xGranite City with 1:01 left in the third period. Sam Zweiner assisted on the tally.
The Lumberjacks forced Breezy Point goalie Troy Pierce to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots. xGranite City outdid its season average for goals scored. This season, the Lumberjacks average 5.4 goals per contest. xGranite City cashed in on power play opportunities, scoring two goals on three chances.
xGranite City also got points from Zach Voss, who also had two goals and one assist, Luke Richardson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and Taylor Brown, who also finished with one goal and two assists. Others who scored for xGranite City included Nick Schreiner, David Kenney, and Travis Kothenbeutel, who each put in one. More assists for xGranite City came via Drew Otto, who had three, Brady Bernhardson and Nick Haase, who contributed one a piece, and Billy Warren and Roy Grandov, who each chipped in two.
The North Stars\’ offense were handcuffed by the Lumberjacks\’ defensive play, and Breezy Point managed only 13 shots on goal during the game.
The North Stars were led by Nick Manney, who registered one goal. Manney scored 2:24 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Crosby Steen also scored for Breezy Point. In addition, Breezy Point received assists from Benji Smieja and Blake Neumann, who contributed one a piece.
Scott Murray recorded 11 saves for xGranite City. The Lumberjacks incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors. Breezy Point\’s Pierce stopped 27 shots out of the 36 that he faced. The North Stars incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.