Lumberjacks hold off Lawrence

APPLETON, Wis. — Northland College held off a flurry of shots in the final two periods Friday night to score a 4-3 Northern Collegiate Hockey Association victory over Lawrence University at the Appleton Family Ice Center.

The Vikings fired 27 shots on goal in the final two periods, but Northland took advantage of its limited opportunities to score twice in the third period for the victory. Lawrence had a 37-19 edge in shots for the game.

The game was tied at 2-2 heading to the third period when Northland (10-10-2, 8-8-1 NCHA) scored twice in a span of just 1:25 to take control.

Kalib Ford’s slap shot from above the face-off circle at the 13:14 mark gave Northland a 3-2 edge. Kurt Sonne then scored at the 14:39 mark to put the Lumberjacks up 4-3.

Lawrence (5-14-3, 4-10-3) battled back when Matt Beranek scored off a rebound at the 16:45 mark to slice the advantage to 4-3.

The Vikings pulled goaltender Evan Cline with 1:42 left for an extra attacker and fired multiple shots at AJ Smith. With the defense piled up in front of the net, the Lumberjacks were able to block several shots and hang on.

Smith finished with 34 saves to pick up the win. Cline stopped 15 shots and took the loss.

The Lumberjacks grabbed a 2-0 lead with first-period goals from Kyle Salmon and Josh Racek.

Lawrence then scored twice in the second period in a span of 1:58 to even the score. Luke McDiarmid got the scoring started for Lawrence when he created a turnover and beat Smith at the 8:21 mark to cut the margin in half.

After the Vikings were whistled for roughing at the 9:20 mark, Lawrence picked up a short-handed goal. The Vikings had the puck and caught Northland in a line change. Some pretty passing led to Sean Reynolds’ short-hander at the 10:19 mark to tie the game at 2-2.

The teams wrap up the series Saturday afternoon.

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