In a game that was much closer than the score might indicate, Alexandria defeated Bemidji 5-1 Saturday.

 

"Two very good teams met for the first time this season," stated Alexandria head coach Scott Woods.  "It was a great win over a well respected Lumberjacks team."

 

The 12th-ranked Cardinals were shut out in the first period, but also did not allow a goal.

 

Ashton Gronholz was the first player to light the lamp when he scored an unassisted goal at 4:04 of the second period.

 

After a goal by Bemidji, Thomas Williams, assisted by Ross Thompson and Casey Vangsness, made it 2-1 Cards with a tally at 10:30 of the second.

 

The third period, and a couple of breaks, belonged to Alexandria.

 

Thompson scored at 5:23 to give the Cardinals a two-goal advantage.  Vangsness and Williams received the assists.  Eight minutes later Thompson broke into the Bemidji zone.  The Lumberjacks' netminder came out to play the puck between the circles, but his clearing attempt hit Thompson, who scored into the now open net.

 

Alexandria got one more insurance goal with about 90 seconds left in the game after Bemidji pulled its goalie for the extra attacker.  Vangsness cleared the puck out of the Cardinals' zone and it looked like it was heading harmlessly into the corner when it rolled on its side and turned towards the 'Jacks net for the final 5-1 margin.  Aaron Rentschler and Williams were credited with assists on the unusual play.

 

The Lumberjacks outshot Alexandria 34-31.  Erich Murphy made 33 saves.

 

"Although the shots were pretty even, (we) came out on top with better goaltending and quality finishing around the net," Woods explained.  "We played excellent defensively and put the puck in the net when we had the opportunity."

 

The Cardinals move to 12-5-1 on the season.