Janesville, Wis. – Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Janesville Jets defeated the MN Magicians Magicians in a shootout 5-4 (2-0 SO).
The shootout featured seven attempts between both teams. In addition to the clincher, Janesville got a shootout goal from Robin Hoglund.
The Jets overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Janesville fell behind 2-0 after a goal by MN Magicians' Derick Kuchera at 13:34 in the second period. The Jets tied things up at 4-4 on a goal by Eetu Karvinen at 19:35 in the third period.
Janesville's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four MN Magicians power plays. By firing 45 shots on goal, the Jets exceeded the 25.4 shots they average per game this year.
Janesville was led by Grant Stueve, who registered one goal and one assist. Stueve scored 13:53 into the second period to make the score 2-1 MN Magicians. Tyler Rehm picked up the assist. Janesville additionally got points from zach keryluk, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Adam Winborg also scored for Janesville. More assists for Janesville came via Jordan Himley, who had two and Bryan Kronberger and Drew Callin, who contributed one a piece.
The Magicians struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 22 penalty minutes for nine opposing power plays. MN Magicians' defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals. The Magicians' offense was clicking better than usual and put 35 shots on goal during the game, better than the 24.2 shots per game they average.
MN Magicians was helped by Kris McKinzie, who racked up one goal. McKinzie scored 14:17 into the first period to make the score 1-0 MN Magicians. Matt Colford assisted on the tally. MN Magicians also got points from Thomas Delaney, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, MN Magicians received assists from Nicholas Kuchera, Jordan Stejskal, Patrick Pollock, and Jack Weiss, who each chipped in one.
Logan Halladay recorded 31 saves for the Jets. Janesville incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The Magicians' Atte Tolvanen stopped 40 shots out of the 44 that he faced.
Coach Joe Dibble says, “The number one thing we wanted to accomplish tonight was to start to identify with our power play and our special teams. We scored some power play goals and did a good job at shutting their penalty kill down. We have always been strong at five on five, we are successful and work hard. The biggest thing is not letting down on special teams and that picked up tonight, obviously from the score. This is what put us over the hump to win tonight. We have to continue to work on our special teams and out work the teams we’re playing.”