Alexandria uses shootout to best Granite City, 7-6 (4-3 SO)

Feb 20, 2015

Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Alexandria Blizzard defeated the Granite City Lumberjacks in a shootout 7-6 (4-3 SO).

The two teams needed 12 turns to complete the shootout. Granite City got shootout goals from Michael Orke, Dallas Marvin, and Tanner Skaja. In addition to the clincher, Alexandria got shootout goals from AJ Gullickson, Tyler Berginski, and Tom Schmidt.

The Blizzard saw a three-goal lead disappear, but was able to secure the win in a shootout. Alexandria made the score 5-2 on a short handed goal by Tyler Sworsky at 17:02 in the second period. The Lumberjacks evened things up at 6-6 on a short handed goal by Will Mix at 18:52 in the third period.

In a losing effort, Granite City was led by Mix, who had two goals and one assist. Mix scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 4:09 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Granite City. A charging penalty on Logan Norman had put the Lumberjacks on the power play. Travis Kothenbeutel provided the assist. Mix\’s next tally on the power play made the score 6-6 with 1:08 left in the third period. Orke picked up the assist.

Granite City was unable to stop the Blizzard from sending pucks towards the net, and Alexandria eventually piled up 36 shots on goal. The Blizzard outdid their season average for goals scored. Alexandria averages 4.0 goals per game. The Blizzard found themselves short handed often, totaling 46 penalty minutes and allowing six power plays.

Alexandria was led by Nate Mettenburg, who registered one goal and one assist. Mettenburg scored on the power play 6:35 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Alexandria. The Blizzard earned a power play opportunity when Sam Zweiner was put in the box for cross checking. Joe Carney assisted on the tally. Alexandria also got points from Carney, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Berginski, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Gullickson also scored for Alexandria. Other players who recorded assists for Alexandria were Schmidt, Bo Gronseth, Tony Arias, and Gregor Lanziner, who contributed one each.

The Lumberjacks\’ offense rang up 47 shots on Alexandria\’s net. Granite City gave up more goals than its normal season average. The Lumberjacks average 2.3 goals allowed per game. Granite City could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

Granite City additionally got points from Orke, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Granite City also got a goal from Luke Richardson as well. In addition, Granite City received assists from David Kenney, who had three and Tyler Mros, Zach Voss, Mitchell Gwost, and Marvin, who each chipped in one.

Tanner Elmore recorded 41 saves for the Blizzard. Alexandria registered two goals on six power play opportunities. Jesse Garcia rejected 29 shots on goal for the Lumberjacks.