Blizzard tops Outlaws to grab Central lead
November 6, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
(Alexandria, MN) The Alexandria Blizzard defeated the North Iowa Outlaws, 3-1 Saturday night at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. The victory vaulted the Blizzard past Fargo-Moorhead, into first place in the North American Hockey League's Central Division.
Max Mobley (Glendale, AZ) gave the Outlaws an early lead, pocketing his fifth goal of the year at 7:38 in the first period. Steve McLeod (Atikokan, Ontario, Canada) and Mike Bernardy (Sandy, UT) earned assists. That would be all of the Outlaws' offensive production against Alexandria goalie Max Dodds, who finished with 28 saves.
The Blizzard tied the game late in the first period, on Shawn Bitzan's power play goal, which was assisted by Sam Kelly. With the game tied at one early in the middle period, the Blizzard gained momentum. Eric Borre forced an Outlaws turnover at the North Iowa blue line, as the Outlaws were on the power play. Borre launched a shot from long distance, which was stopped by North Iowa goalie Erik Largen (Fairbanks, AK). However, Alexandria's Rylan Galiardi tapped in the rebound, to give the Blizzard a lead that would not be relinquished. Bitzan later lit the lamp for his second goal of the game at 9:14 of the second period, with Jim Jensen assisting. Neither team scored in the final period.
The win puts Alexandria at 11-2-3 on the season, for 24 points. The result, combined with Fargo-Moorhead's loss to Bismarck Saturday night, gives the Blizzard sole possession of first place in the division, by a single point. The Outlaws presently hold the third spot in the NAHL Central, with a record of 10-10-1. This coming Friday and Saturday, the Outlaws will host the Fargo-Moorhead Jets, at the North Iowa Ice Arena. Friday's game starts at 7:45 PM, with the Saturday night game beginning at 7:30.
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North American Hockey League Stories from November 6, 2005
- Blizzard tops Outlaws to grab Central lead - North Iowa Outlaws
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