The Minnesota Flying Aces tried their best to erase a four-goal deficit, but the Granite City Lumberjacks would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 5-3.
Granite City made the score 5-1 on a goal by David Kenney at 9:26 in the third period, and Minnesota got as close as 5-3 when Jesse Brown scored 15:04 into the third period.
Kenney had two goals and one assist to lead the Lumberjacks. Kenney scored the first of his two goals at 13:36 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Travis Kothenbeutel picked up the assist. Kenney\’s next tally made the score 5-1 Granite City with 10:34 left in the third period. Granite City had gained a power play chance when Zachary Johnston was whistled for abuse of officials.
The Lumberjacks forced the Flying Aces goalie Dakota McDonald to work between the pipes, taking 56 shots.
Granite City also had goals scored by Zach Voss, Will Mix, and Jared Sprink, who each put in one. More assists for Granite City came via Tyler Mros, Brady Bernhardson, Tanner Skaja, and Alek Groth, who each chipped in one.
Minnesota\’s offense rang up 32 shots on Granite City\’s net. The Flying Aces found themselves short handed often, totaling 24 penalty minutes and allowing six power plays.
Minnesota additionally got points from Matt Heim, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Minnesota received assists from Bradee Thompson, who had two and Travis Johnston, Blake Neumann, and Ryan Conybear, who contributed one each.
Jesse Garcia rejected 29 shots on goal for the Lumberjacks. Granite City incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. McDonald recorded 51 saves for Minnesota. The Flying Aces registered one goal on five power play opportunities.