Rails move into 5A Semifinals

Photos by: Kevon Fulton

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Proctor Rails moved into the section 5A semifinals with 3-1 victory over Providence Academy at the Proctor Ice Arena Saturday afternoon.

Christian Ripley scored two goals Saturday including the game winner as the Rails will move on and face Chisago Lakes in the section semi-finals Tuesday in Lindstrom.

Ripley scored their first goal of the game at 5:14 of the first period, with assists from Brodie Nordquist and from Josh Ernst.

Providence Academy tied it later in the first period and the game would remain scoreless until the 10:49 mark of the third period when Ripley again put the Rails in front 2-1.

Jake Malec made it 3-1 with fewer than two minutes to go in the third period and that sealed the Rails victory Saturday afternoon. Matt Johnson was the winning goaltender as he stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced.

The Rails will face Chisago Lakes at 7 pm on Tuesday night; these two teams did not meet in the regular season. The Rails improved to 8-18 overall with the win.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com