The Blizzard once again made a short trip down south on Sunday, this time for the opening game of the NA3HL Showcase in Blaine. The Blizzard faced the El Paso Rhinos in the first of three showcase games. Fresh off his game winning goal in Granite City, Justin Wazvick got the Blizzard on the board just 15 seconds into the game on a pass from Reece Hubmer giving Wazy 14 goals on the season. Late into the first period the Rhinos were able to get one past LaCosse to send the teams into the lockers rooms tied, 1-1.
The second period was filled with penalties and the Blizzard pounced all over the Rhinos to net 4 goals in the period. Justin Wasvick opened the scoring in the second at the 10:39 mark with Eli Fletcher and Joe Gronholz getting the helpers and Gaborik Olson scored seconds later on a pass from Chris Fotopoulos giving the Blizzard a two goal lead half way through the second period. At the 14 minute mark, Joe Gronholz beat O’Neil to make it a 4-1 game on a play from Tyler Kludt short handed with Eli Fletcher netting his 14th of the season a few minutes later on a power play from Tyler Kludt and Matt Scribner making it 5-1 Blizzard. In the final seconds of the second, Romita got one past LaCosse for the Rhinos second goal on a late power play.
The third period opened with Jack Carter scoring his 4th of the season on a pass from Sam Taylor and Markus Olson scored unassisted moments later to make it 7-2 Blizzard in the opening game of the NA3HL Showcase in Blaine. The second game of the showcase has the Blizzard facing the Great Falls Americans at 6:15P at Rink #1 at the National Sports Complex in Blaine. Admission is free if you want to watch some great hockey!
