THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – Getting a couple of early goals helped the Wisconsin Lumberjacks pull out an eventual 3-1 victory over the Thief River Falls Norskies Saturday in a Superior International Junior Hockey League encounter Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
The Lumberjacks needed just 20 seconds to begin things offensively as Nicholas Solema picked up his fourth marker of the campaign.
Wisconsin then went up by a pair seven and a half minutes into the first frame when Cade Moreland capitalized on a man advantage opportunity.
Following a scoreless middle session, the visitors added to their cushion 6:47 into the third on an Austin Cardinal effort.
Thief River Falls finally solved Lumberjacks starter Nathan Mueller with just over five minutes remaining in regulation thanks to Jack Michels, who picked up a point for a 13th straight game.
However, it proved to be the evening’s final marker as Mueller finished with 35 saves to record the win.
In defeat, Norskies netminder Joshua Seeley saw 37 shots fired his way.
The same two teams will meet again on New Years Eve in the league’s next contest, in a 6 p.m. start back at The Ralph.
Photo credit: Tim Benton