THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – Thief River Falls Norskies netminder Bailey Schmitz turned aside all 37 attempts he faced, including a 20-shot barrage in the third period, to backstop his side to a 2-0 victory over the Thunder Bay North Stars Wednesday night in a Superior International Junior Hockey League match-up at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
The result snaps Thunder Bay’s 13-game winning streak while first place Thief River Falls extended their lead atop the SIJHL standings.
After a scoreless first frame, the Norskies picked up the eventual game-winning goal 13:31 into the second stanza as Mitchell Soderberg converted during a power play chance.
Alec Daman added some insurance for the home side in the third with 12:42 to go.
Schmitz did the rest as the North Stars pressed the pace in the final frame, but could not solve him as he posted his third shutout of the season.
Brandon Bodnar made 26 saves in defeat for Thunder Bay.
The same two teams meet again Thursday back in Thief River Falls at 7 p.m.
Photo credit: Allison Garrigan