The xAlexandria Blizzard gutted out a close 6-4 win against the xTwin City Steel.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Mitch Krafcheck\’s goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.
xAlexandria was paced on offense by Mick Dhein and Ian Ecklund, who combined for five points. Dhein grabbed one goal and two assists and Ecklund also added two goals.
xTwin City\’s power play was ineffective against the Blizzard\’s penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
xAlexandria struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as it finished the game with 28 penalty minutes for seven opposing power plays.
xAlexandria additionally got points from Krafcheck, who also registered one goal and one assist and Tom Schmidt, who also tallied one goal and one assist. xAlexandria also got a goal from Jody Randall as well. In addition, xAlexandria received assists from Joe Anderson, Nick Nitta, Garrett Skinner, Bo Gronseth, Gavin Mindt, Ryan Carriveau, and Nate Mettenburg, who contributed one a piece.
The Steel got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed three goals during the game. xTwin City\’s penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Steel finished with 30 penalty minutes.
xTwin City was led by Isaac Hale, who had two goals. Hale scored the first of his two goals at 19:08 into the second period to make the score 3-1 xTwin City. Jackson Bond provided the assist. Hale\’s next tally made the score 5-4 xAlexandria with 7:04 left in the third period. Tanner Duffney picked up the assist. xTwin City also had goals scored by Mathias Ahman and Chase Myers-Beck, who each put in one. More assists for xTwin City came via Ben Ihrie, who had one and Joonas Huovinen and Dylan Lincoln, who contributed two a piece.
Kyle Miller recorded 24 saves for the Blizzard. xAlexandria registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Jared Schletty made 22 saves for the Steel on 28 shots.
