Hunters Edge Thunderhawks In OT

February 12th, 2014

Tyler Peterson-NSO

The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks were hoping to end the season with a win heading into playoffs, but the Duluth Denfeld Hunters would spoil that plan as they would edge the Thunderhawks 4-3 in overtime.

The scoring wouldn’t kick off until the second period when Grand Rapids own Ben Monley hit the back of the net just a minute in on a goal assisted on by Eric Soderberg and Alex Adams. Duluth Denfeld would answer back just 4 minutes later when Tre Opack and Reid Lemker assisted Steve Maciver on a goal to tie the game up 1-1. Grand Rapids would then take advantage of a late power play at the 15:30 mark when Eric Soderberg gave the Thunderhawks the 2-1 lead. Connor LaRoque and Ben Monley assisted on the goal.

In the third period, Duluth Denfeld would tie it back up once again when Cody Budisalovich scored 5 minutes into the period on passes from Alex Larson and Kadin Ferguson. Grand Rapids would get their lead back once again at the 13 minute mark when Avery Peterson sniped one past the goalie on a pass from Eli Mangni. But Duluth Denfeld continued to fight back as Tre Opack hit the equalizer with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock to notch it up 3-3. Maciver and Lemker assisted on Opack’s goal.

In overtime, it would take 3 minutes and 30 seconds to decide the winner when Reid Lemker hit the game winner to secure the 4-3 victory for the Hunters.

Hunter Shepard blocked 35 shots on the night for Grand Rapids, while Duluth Denfelds goalie, Wes Cook, stopped 26 shots.

Duluth Denfeld improves to 12-10-2 on the season and will look to end the regular season with a win when they play North Shore (14-8-2) on February 14th. Grand Rapids ended the regular season 17-8 and will play next in the Section 7AA playoffs against an opponent TBD.

Tyler Peterson can be contacted at tpeterson@northlandsportsonline.com