Game Summary - 02/08/2025 - Northwest Express vs Minnesota Blue Ox

Northwest Express Falls to Minnesota Squatch in Hard-Fought Battle
Spooner, WI – February 8, 2025 – The Northwest Express came out strong on Saturday night at the Spooner Civic Center, but a five-goal third period by the Minnesota Squatch proved to be the difference in a 7-4 loss.

PERIOD 1:
The Express started the game with energy, responding quickly after Nelson put the Squatch on the board just 1:28 into the first period. Skiadas netted the equalizer less than two minutes later, and the Express took control from there. Wolff capitalized on a power play at 9:04 with a setup from Liebold, and Alexander extended the lead to 3-1 at 14:49 off assists from McGrew and Wolff. Despite some penalty trouble, the Express held their two-goal advantage heading into the second period.

PERIOD 2:
Minnesota cut into the lead midway through the second when Sinclair scored his 21st of the season at 10:45. The physicality ramped up, with both teams trading penalties but neither able to convert on the power play. The Express managed just three shots in the period, holding on to a 3-2 lead going into the final frame.

PERIOD 3:
The third period started in promising fashion for Northwest Express, who had a power play opportunity early. However, a shorthanded goal from Bonifay at 4:15 shifted the momentum in favor of the Squatch. The Express responded with a power-play goal of their own, as Lundbohm found the net at 7:25, assisted by Wolff and Browning, tying the game at 4-4.
From there, Minnesota took over. Ellingson scored at 9:18 to give the Squatch a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and Sinclair added his second of the night five minutes later. Tsybulskyi made it 6-4 at 15:29 before Plank sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:07.

Despite a strong start, the Express were outshot 39-19 and struggled to generate offense in the final two periods. Goaltender Freshwater made 32 saves on 38 shots, while Bennett stopped 15 of 19 shots for Minnesota.
They’ll look to bounce back in their next matchup as they continue their push toward the playoffs.

GAME STATS:
Final Score: Minnesota Squatch 7, Northwest Express 4
Shots on Goal: Minnesota Squatch 39, Northwest Express 19
Power Plays: Northwest Express 2/7, Minnesota Squatch 0/3
Attendance: 543