Bruins Drop Close One to St. Cloud, 3-2

Mar 17, 2021

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – An early third period goal for St. Cloud proved to be enough as the Bruins fell in a tight game to the Norsemen, 3-2.

For the second straight game Austin earned the game’s first goal, something they’ve only managed nine times this season. Following a penalty kill, Barrett Brooks took an outlet pass from Carson Riddle and skated into the Bruins offensive end with control. After maneuvering past the lone defenseman, Brooks snapped off a wrist-shot that beat Norsemen goalie Paxton Geisel for the 1-0 lead. The goal was Barrett Brooks’ team leading 11th of the season while Riddle’s assist improved his team high points total to 22. The Norsemen didn’t wait long to retaliate, however, registering their own goal, a power-play tally, just over two-and-a-half minutes later to tie the game at one goal apiece.

In the second, Austin took their second advantage of the night with a power-play goal of their own. Only six seconds after being awarded a power-play, Walter Zacher slammed a slap-shot from the center point that found its was through traffics and behind Geisel for the 2-1 Bruins lead. It took a bit longer for St. Cloud to even things up a second time, but managed to do so late in the second period with a goal from Brendan Kim while Austin was down two men.

Out of the gate in the third, St. Cloud took their first lead of the night when former Minnesota Wilderness player Jack Suchy cashed in on a turnover out in front and pushed one beyond Bruins netminder Tyler Shea. With well over three-quarters of the period still remaining, the Bruins had their chances, including a late power-play in which Shea was pulled for the extra attacker resulting in a 6-on-4, but couldn’t capitalize. Geisel and the Norsemen fought off the late surge and took the 3-2 victory.

Riddle registered two assists in the game for the Bruins and was the lone multi-point getter while St. Cloud was powered by Brett Chorske, who contributed to each of the Norsemen’s tallies with a total of one goal and two assists. Tyler Shea took the loss despite stopping 37 of 40 St. Cloud chances, while Paxton Geisel was good on 23 of 25 Bruins’ shots. As for special teams, the Bruins went 1-for-5 while on the Chad Thomas Thrivent Financial Power Play and were successful on 3-of-5 Kris Heichel Team Fair Mortgage penalty kills.

Up next for the Bruins, they welcome the Bismarck Bobcats to Riverside Arena, for the first time this season, on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are available now for the series against Bismarck, and all future games, by visiting www.austinbruins.com/