NA3HL Showcase comes to a close in Troy
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) Showcase wrapped up on Wednesday at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan. It was a day of high drama and intense games. Some of the games even may have been a preview of what may be to come at the NA3HL Championships at the end of March in Chicago. With that said, lets take a look at the final day results and game recaps:
Click here for the box scores on the final day
Alexandria 7 vs. Battle Creek 4 - Despite the loss, the Revolution can fell very good about their performance in Troy, going 2-2. Both losses were by three goals, including Wednesday's against the Blizzard. Battle Creek enjoyed a 4-2 lead early in the 3rd period until the Blizzard went on a five-goal run to end the game. Chayce Coenen, Danny Pelzer and Garrett Skinner all had four point games for Alexandria. Trevor Clark had a goal and two assists for Battle Creek.
Quad City 2 vs. Granite City 1 - In what may have been the upset of the NA3HL Showcase, the Jr. Flames gave their playoff chances a big shot in the arm with a 2-1 win over the defending NA3HL Champion, Granite City Lumberjacks. Anthony Caroselli and Tanner Litvinoff had the Quad City goals, while Nick Turbitt scored for Granite City. The star of the game was Jr. Flames goaltender Jake Leon, who made 33 saves.
Minnesota 4 vs. Metro 3 (OT) - The Flying Aces finished the Showcase with a 2-2-0 record thanks to an overtime win over the Jets on Wednesday. Payton Trammel scored the overtime winner. Minnesota jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st period with goals from Mason Wyman, Brett Sorem and Jared Sprink. Metro responded in the 2nd period with three goals of their own to tie the game at 3-3 as Matt Stirling, Alex Holm and Michael Lawrence scored.
Peoria 4 vs. Three Rivers 0 - Michael Parda made 28 saves for his 5th shutout of the season as Peoria blanked Three Rivers 4-0 on the final day of the Showcase. After a scoreless 1st period, the Mustangs got on the board thanks to a power play goal from Cory Kettler. Peoria then put the game away with three goals in the 3rd period as Alex Turin, Chance Homerin and Kevin Gregory Jr. all scored. Vengeance goalie Matthew Erlichman made 39 saves in the loss.
North Iowa 9 vs. Toledo 1 - Five, 1st period goals was plenty as North Iowa completed another perfect NA3HL Showcase with a 9-1 win over the Cherokee. Connor Jonasson scored twice and had two assists and Patrick Sivets also had two goals. Other Bulls goals came from Taylor Brown, Richie Marenis, Logan Murphy, Tony Paulson and Eric Behrend. Brandon Layman had the lone goal for Toledo in the loss.
Twin City 7 vs. Michigan 4 - Twin City helped their playoff chances with a 7-4 win over the Mountain Cats. Michigan, who went 1-2 in the NA3HL Showcase in Troy, was eliminated from playoff contention. The Steel got goals from even different players including: Isaac Hale, Trey Hughes, Nicholas Schreiner, AJ Merritt, Evan Anderson, Zach Randell and Brody Peterson. Meanwhile, Michigan's goals came from Alex Kopek, Guy Soulliere, Kade Morrison and Adam Morrison.
Cleveland 4 vs. St. Louis 2 - In one of the best match-ups and games of the tournament, the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks laid claim to the East Division regular season title with a 4-2 victory over Central Division leading St. Louis. Cleveland scored two, 3rd period goals to give St. Louis just their 3rd regulation loss of the season. Cameron Dimmitt, Dominic Valencia, Scott Cuthrell and Jeff Monfils had the Cleveland goals, while Trey Dodd and Sam Turner scored for St. Louis.
Flint 5 vs. Queen City 4 - The Jr. Generals scored four goals in the 3rd period, including two from Zach Hill to come from behind to defeat the Steam, 5-4. Queen City led 2-1 after two periods on goals from Nick Brusa and Paul McAvoy. Flint's goal came from Phillip Garza. The Steam lead increased to 4-1 early in the 3rd period with goals from Jonah Hoover and Devin Fracassi. Flint stormed back with four goals in the final eight minutes including the two from Hill and others from Jake Howie and Trevor Benaglio.
