The La Crosse Freeze took the lead against the St. Louis Jr. Blues in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 4-2 victory.
Jack Sterne provided La Crosse with the game-winning tally when he scored 3:56 into the first period. Jace Cseter assisted on the tally.
St. Louis\’ power play was ineffective against the Freeze\’s penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
La Crosse was led by Jake Lipski, who racked up one goal. Lipski scored on the power play 13:19 into the second period to make the score 3-1 La Crosse. The Freeze had gained a power play chance when Palagrino Alec was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct. Cseter picked up the assist.
The Jr. Blues were unable to stop La Crosse from sending pucks towards the net, and the Freeze eventually piled up 39 shots on goal. Team could not crack St. Louis\’ penalty kill and was held to two power play goals while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage.
La Crosse also got points from Hunter Smith, who also had one goal and one assist. La Crosse also got a goal from Daniel Toycen as well. Other players who recorded assists for La Crosse were Jared Bromberg, who had one.
The Jr. Blues could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 22 minutes in penalties during the game.
St. Louis was helped by Alex Klaesner, who tallied one goal. Klaesner scored 13:09 into the third period to make the score 3-2 La Crosse. Andrew Wingbermuehle assisted on the tally. St. Louis additionally got points from Tommy Heinzman, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, St. Louis received assists from Yauch Sam and Chris Brown, who each chipped in one.
Cameron Scheuren rejected 17 shots on goal for La Crosse. The Freeze incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. William Hindle recorded 35 saves for the Jr. Blues.
