The Alexandria Blizzard and the Minnesota Flying Aces were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Alexandria made the most of its opportunities and won, 4-2.
The Blizzard gained the winning advantage on a goal by Garrett Skinner 18:21 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.
Skinner was all over the ice for Alexandria, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Skinner scored the first of his two goals short handed at 38 seconds into the third period to make the score 1-1. Tom Schmidt picked up the assist. Skinner\’s next tally short handed made the score 3-2 Alexandria with 1:39 left in the third period. The Blizzard played down a man on Ian Ecklund\’s slashing. Schmidt provided the assist.
Alexandria pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 20 penalty minutes.
The Blizzard\’s penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Minnesota power plays. Alexandria kept Minnesota\’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Jaxson Gosnell made 36 saves on 40 shots.
Others who scored for Alexandria included Nick Nitta and Tyler Sworsky, who scored one goal each. In addition, Alexandria received assists from Zach Kihle, Joe Anderson, Gavin Mindt, and Nate Mettenburg, who each chipped in one.
The Flying Aces could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.
Minnesota was helped by Eric Rogorzenski, who registered one goal. Rogorzenski scored 12:10 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Minnesota. Jake Mullendore assisted on the tally. Eric Cruickshank also scored for Minnesota. Other players who recorded assists for Minnesota were Anthony Martinez and Vladislav Shipota, who contributed one a piece.
The Blizzard\’s Tanner Elmore stopped 25 shots out of the 27 that he faced. Alexandria registered one goal on five power play opportunities.