THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – A Blake Nelson power play goal, 7:12 into the third period, proved to be the game-winner as the Thief River Falls Norskies went on to defeat the Dryden GM Ice Dogs 3-2 Thursday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League play at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Thief River Falls notched the lone tally of the opening frame as Nelson helped set-up Boe Bjorge for his 23rd of the campaign at 16:13.
Connor Bowey then put the Norskies up by a pair three minutes into the middle session as he notched his 13th of the season.
Going to the man advantage in the latter stages of the second, Dryden got on the board when Jacob Siebenga slid in his 17th to bring the visitors to within one.
Heading to the third, Nelson restored the two-goal cushion for the hosts as his effort with his club up a skater proved to be the eventual difference maker.
The GM Ice Dogs struck again on the power play midway through the third on Eric Stout’s 27th to move back to within one once more.
However, Thief River Falls goaltender Bailey Schmitz stymied Dryden the rest of the way making 16 saves alone in the third and 37 overall to record the win.
GM Ice Dogs netminder Jacob Anthony faced 28 shots in defeat.
Brett Piper chipped in with two assists for the Norskies as did Dryden’s Ryan Brandt.
Photo credit: Tim Benton