Alexandria was back home for the first time in three weeks hosting the Willmar Warhawks on Saturday. These two teams put on a nice encore following the Blizzard OT thrilling win on opening night.
The Warhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the Blizzard got on the board late in the first when Cole Klingbeil found Alex Heidenreich alone in front of net for his 5th of the season to make it 2-1 after one. Willmar regained their two goal advantage just past the midway point of the game, but then the Blizzard erupted for 3 goals in the final five minutes of the 2nd period to take a 4-3 lead into the 3rd. Zach DeMarce scored his 5th of the year off a nice set up from Justin Wasvick and Matt McIntyre. With under a minute to go McIntyre blasted a one-timer home off a perfect feed from Kaden Peterson, then Ryan Hadland scored with :15 second left with assists from Wyatt Johnson and Sean Kenny. Willmar swung the momentum back in their favor with 4 straight goals to start the 3rd period for a 7-4 lead. Alexandria wasn’t done though, Wasvick scored a power play goal with just under nine minutes to play, then Cole Klingbeil picked off a clearing pass and skated in all alone for his 9th of the year to pull the Blizzard within one at 7-6. But, Willmar changed their goaltenders after a timeout and that’s where the rally died, as Willmar held on for the 7-6 victory. Cole Klingbeil led the way with 3 points for the Blizzard and Ryan Hadland, Wyat Johnson, Matt McIntyre and Justin Wasvick each had 2 point nights.
Alexandria (9-8 – 18 points) will get another shot at Willmar (8-8-1 – 17 pts) on Wednesday night at the RCC. It’s Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center Night with Free Water Park Passes to be tossed out for fans in attendance. Puck drop is 7:10 pm.
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