Bombers Win Low Scoring Battle 2-1 Over Lumberjacks

By Tanner Schafer

Spooner, WI – The Sioux Lookout Bombers played great team defense that carried them to a victory on Friday Night. 

It was a slow start to the 1st period and despite both teams getting early power plays no real chances were had until around 8 minutes had expired. Off of a faceoff Connor Burke of the Bombers tracked down the puck behind the net and put it on the stick of Owen Riffel in front of the net for a tap in goal. It was Riffel’s 18th goal of the season and the lone goal of the 1st period. Heading into the 2nd period both teams continue to play good defense early with hardly any scoring chances. The Lumberjacks changed that with a faceoff win halfway through the period. Off a faceoff win Wisconsin moved the puck to the point where a Neil Pretorius shot deflected off a defender and into the back of the Bomber net. Assists were awarded to Salvatore Poggiali and Cooper McClure. Wisconsin’s equalizer wouldn’t last long as less than 2 minutes later Sioux Lookout would again take the lead with a power play goal. Lucas Trimarchi scored the tally with assists going to Nolan Palmer and Ty Bahm. The Lumberjacks would see a few chances late in the period including a Brandon McDonald breakaway, but they couldn’t score another goal. 

The 3rd period was all about Jake Manners in between the pipes for Sioux Lookout. The Lumberjacks turned up the pressure and set the pace of the play for the first time in the game but couldn’t beat Manners. Even 3 power plays weren’t enough to get the Lumberjacks back on the board, a big reason was due to the absence of leading scorer Ryder McMillen who was out with injury. The Lumberjacks last chance came when the Bombers took a penalty with 1:01 left. Wisconsin declined to take a timeout or pull the goalie elected to play a 5 on 4. The Lumberjacks were not able to get the puck in the offensive zone and the Bomber penalty kill won out, securing a low scoring win.  

Manners stopped 23 of 24 shots and got the win. Kyler Lowden had 20 saves in a losing effort. Neil Pretorius picked up 1st star with a single goal, Trimarchi’s goal was enough for 2nd star, and Jake Manner’s was the games 3rd star. The 2 teams will play again Saturday Night.