The Brookings Blizzard survived a determined comeback attempt by the Austin Bruins on the way to a 3-1 win.
Brookings made the score 3-0 on a goal by Ryan Sete at 5:24 in the third period, and Austin got as close as 3-1 when Lucas Kohls scored 10:25 into the third period.
The Bruins were stymied by the Blizzard netminder Connor Girard, who stopped 35 shots during the victory. Girard certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.67 entering the contest.
Brookings\’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Austin power plays.
The Blizzard were helped by Jeff Flicker, who racked up one goal. Flicker scored 3:17 into the third period to make the score 2-0 Brookings. Sete provided the assist. Brookings additionally got points from Conor Andrle, who also had one goal and one assist and Sete, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Brookings were Wyatt Schmidt, who had one and Evan Hesse, who had two.
Austin stifled Brookings\’ power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Bruins were held below their usual level of production. Austin averages 3.1 goals per game. The Bruins forced the Blizzard goalie Girard to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots.
In addition, Austin received assists from Sam Kauppila and Jay Dickman, who contributed one a piece.
Brookings totaled 23 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-4 on the power play. Nicholas Lehr recorded 19 saves for Austin. The Bruins ended with 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors. Austin ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Brennan Sanford was ejected from the game.
