Wilderness Upend Jayneville

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

3-goal 3rd period paces Wilderness Victory over Jets

A power-play goal early in the 3rd period sparked a big final frame for the Minnesota Wilderness, as they defeated Janesville tonight, 5-2 in a North American Hockey League game at Northwoods Credit Union Arena.

Max Neill positioned himself perfectly in front of the Janesville net shortly after a face-off, and redirected a shot from Gunnar Thoreson past the Jet goaltender for what turned out to be the game-winning goal. That goal, 0:55 into the 3rd, broke a 2-2 tie, and was followed by a Niko Rexine goal less than 5 minutes later, and an empty-net goal from Bobby Metz in the final minute.

Also scoring for the Wilderness was William Persson in the 1st period and Bryce Howard in the second. Max Ruoho had a big contribution offensively for Minnesota, with 2 assists. Rexine also assisted on Howard’s goal, giving him two points in the contest.

The Jets picked up goals from Ethan Begg and Mack Keryluk, but fell for the 3rd time in 3 games this season in Cloquet.

Sam Livecchi shined in his first start for the Wilderness since September 25th. The rookie netminder stopped 41 of 43 Jet shots, and was a brick wall in the 3rd, stopping all 21 shots. The win improved Livecchi’s record to 2-1. Meanwhile, Janesville goaltender Owen Millward suffered his 1st loss, falling to 3-1 on the 2021-22 season. Overall the Jets outshot the Wilderness by a 43-34 count.

The same two teams meet again Saturday night in Cloquet. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15. It will be game 2 of Cancer Awareness weekend, as the Wilderness are auctioning off special pink uniforms, with proceeds going to the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation for cancer research.