Game Recap - December 7, 2024: Steele County Blades 5, Northwest Express 1

Game Recap: Steele County Blades 5, Northwest Express 1
Saturday, December 7, 2024 – Spooner Civic Center
The Northwest Express fell to the Steele County Blades in a tough 5-1 loss Saturday night at the Spooner Civic Center. Despite a strong opening period, the Express were unable to match the Blades’ offensive push in the final 40 minutes.

First Period
Both teams came out fast, with the Blades striking first just 32 seconds into the game. Arturas Laurynavichus buried a shot, assisted by Peyton Inks and John Vail, to give Steele County the early lead. The Express responded quickly as Preston Lundbohm found the back of the net at 4:28, assisted by Harrison Browning and Eli Underhill. The first period ended tied at 1-1, with both teams trading chances and physical play.

Second Period
The Blades regained momentum in the second, scoring twice late in the frame. Trevor Dolata capitalized at 17:24 off a setup from Logan Hadfield and Thomas Verreault. Just minutes later, Quinten Friborg extended the lead to 3-1 with help from Hadfield at 19:10. Penalties on both sides slowed the pace early in the period, but Steele County's strong forecheck eventually broke through.

​Third Period
In the third, Steele County sealed the game with two empty-net goals. Jakub Tomecek scored at 17:10, assisted by Hadfield, and Thomas Verreault added another just 46 seconds later, with helpers from Hadfield and Nigel Ladret. The Express struggled to generate offense despite matching the Blades in shots on goal, with both teams recording 39.

Special Teams and Goaltending
​Neither team found success on the power play, with the Express going 0-for-4 and the Blades 0-for-3. Express goaltender Freshwater made 34 saves on 37 shots, while Steele County’s Hunt was stellar in net, stopping 38 of 39 shots.

Next Game: The Express will look to bounce back when they face the Steele County Blades again at home on Thursday, December 12th, at 7:05 PM.
Attendance: 334
Referee: Chase Hollenbeck
Linesmen: Bradley Hollenbeck, Chris Papesh