A four-goal first period deficit cost the Minnesota Flying Aces, which could not recover and fell to the xGranite City Lumberjacks, 10-2.
Drew Otto had four goals and one assist to lead xGranite City. Otto notched his first tally 4:02 into the first period. He then added goals at 18:47 into the first, at 12:41 into the second, and at 16:05 into the second.
The Lumberjacks made Minnesota\’s goaltenders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, launching 41 shots and forcing 31 saves. Jaxson Gosnell made 17 stops and Patrick Anderson made 14. xGranite City\’s goal total was higher than its season average. The Lumberjacks have scored at the pace of 5.3 goals per game during the current campaign. The defensemen of xGranite City were also effective in the Flying Aces\’ zone, and came away with two goals. The Lumberjacks could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.
xGranite City also got points from Luc Richardson, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, Gavin Porter, who also had one goal and two assists, and Taylor Brown, who also finished with one goal and three assists. xGranite City also got a goal from Sam Zweiner as well. In addition, xGranite City received assists from David Horsmann, who had two and Aidan Verbeke, Tobias Gabrielsen, David Kenney, and Nick Haase, who contributed one a piece.
Minnesota was led by Jack Anderholm, who had one goal and one assist. Anderholm scored on the power play 8:29 into the third period to make the score 8-1 xGranite City. The Flying Aces had gotten the advantage when xGranite City\’s Lucas Mickelson was sent off for head contact. Eric Cruickshank provided the assist. Anthony Martinez also scored for Minnesota. More assists for Minnesota came via Tyler Leverty and Michael Holthaus, who each chipped in one.
The Lumberjacks\’ Scott Murray stopped 15 shots out of the 17 that he faced. xGranite City registered two goals on four power play opportunities. Minnesota incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.