Granite City Lumberjacks Advance to Fraser Cup Semifinals
SAUK RAPIDS — The Granite City Lumberjacks secured their place in the Fraser Cup semifinals after a hard-fought victory over the Alexandria Blizzard on Sunday, March 22, at Miller Buick GMC Rink. The team will now compete for the NA3HL championship in St. Peters, Missouri.
Dramatic Overtime Win
The Lumberjacks defeated the Alexandria Blizzard with a score of 2-1. Ty Smith scored with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game, forcing overtime. Prentiss Maier then scored the game-winning goal at 15:20 into overtime, assisted by Garrett Plaude and Coltin Wassengeso.
Key Player Performances
Forward Baylor Stebbins contributed with two assists, even as Micah Saxon scored a goal and added an assist. Goaltender Nathan Mach was crucial in the win, making 26 saves.
For the Blizzard, Ethan Boughton and Kaden Roness each scored a goal and Bode Ekblad made an impressive 51 saves.
Special Teams Play
The Lumberjacks capitalized on special teams, going 1-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
Fraser Cup Schedule
The Lumberjacks will continue their quest for a fifth Fraser Cup title with upcoming games against the Texas Brahmas, the South Division champion, on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m., and the Long Beach Sharks on Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be played in a round-robin format at the St. Peters Rec-Plex in St. Peters, Missouri. The semifinals and championship game will follow.
A History of Success
Granite City has a strong track record in the Fraser Cup, having won the championship in 2023, 2017, 2015, and 2012. They reached the semifinals last year.
The Fraser Cup championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m. On Sunday, March 29.