Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the St. Louis Jr. Blues defeated the Wisconsin Whalers in a shootout 5-4 (2-0 SO).
The shootout featured eight attempts between both teams. In addition to the clincher, St. Louis got a shootout goal from Trevor Thornton.
The Jr. Blues saw a three-goal lead disappear, but was able to secure the win in a shootout. St. Louis made the score 3-0 on a goal by Alex Klaesner at 4:58 in the second period. Wisconsin evened things up at 4-4 on a goal by Franky Melton at 18:36 in the third period.
The Jr. Blues\’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Wisconsin power plays.
St. Louis additionally got points from Zane OBryan, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Thornton also scored for St. Louis. More assists for St. Louis came via Tommy Heinzman, who had three and Daniel Dunaway and Andrew Wingbermuehle, who contributed one each.
The Whalers forced St. Louis goalie Cooper Cothran to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.
Wisconsin was led by Adam Schoenfeld, who racked up one goal and one assist. Schoenfeld scored 11:01 into the third period to make the score 3-3. Nolan Kepler picked up the assist. Wisconsin also got points from Will Holtan, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Wisconsin included Peter Henderson and Nathan Viberg, who scored one goal each. In addition, Wisconsin received assists from Joe Perrelle, who had two and Chris Johansen and Thomas Hanson, who each chipped in one.
Cothran recorded 40 saves for the Jr. Blues. St. Louis incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Whalers\’ Johansen stopped 20 shots out of the 24 that he faced. Wisconsin incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.
