A four-goal first period deficit cost the Chicago Junior Bulldogs, which could not recover and fell to the St. Louis Jr. Blues, 7-4.
Andrew Kovacich was all over the ice for St. Louis, as he finished with two goals in the win. Kovacich scored at 20 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 St. Louis and again while on the power play 6:20 into the first to make the score 2-0 St. Louis.
The Jr. Blues stifled Chicago\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. St. Louis bested its season scoring average. The Jr. Blues have scored at the pace of 4.3 goals per game during the current campaign.
St. Louis additionally got points from Alexander Turin, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Christian Argyros, who also had one goal and one assist, and Mike Lozano, who also registered two goals and two assists to lead the team in points. St. Louis also got a goal from Alex Klaesner as well. Other players who recorded assists for St. Louis were Adam Roeder, Zane OBryan, Alexander Carlsson, Tyler Opilka, Andrew McGlynn, and maxwell cobb, who contributed one a piece.
The Junior Bulldogs forced St. Louis goalie Cooper Cothran to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.
Chicago was led by Joey Mavrin, who finished with one goal and two assists. Mavrin scored 15:46 into the third period to make the score 7-4 St. Louis. Ryan Maksimovic assisted on the tally. Chicago also had goals scored by Vince Bartkowiak, John Godfrey, and Christopher Wachal, who each put in one. More assists for Chicago came via Toms Taurins and Matt Kostopoulos, who each chipped in one.
The Jr. Blues\’ Cothran stopped 29 shots out of the 33 that he faced. St. Louis incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Joey Garapolo made 21 saves for the Junior Bulldogs on 28 shots. Chicago incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.