Wisconsin HP-18 played Minnesota Seniors in the second game at Thursday’s NIT. The speed and intensity of this game was sky high from the initial puck drop. Despite some end-to-end action in the first period, neither team scored, and the first period ended tied, 0-0. Minnesota outshot Wisconsin 11-5 in the first period.

Wisconsin started the second period with a blast of energy and some great scoring opportunities. However, Wisconsin could not get a puck past the Minnesota goalie. Nine minutes into the second period, Wisconsin had a power play with some fantastic puck movement. It looked like Wisconsin would finally get the puck into the net, but Minnesota’s goalie shut the door. With six minutes remaining in second period Minnesota scored to take a 1-0 lead. The second period ended with Minnesota up 1-0 and a 24-15 advantage in shots.

The third period started with Minnesota on a power play. Wisconsin’s penalty killers, with Madison Edgewood’s Hayden Reuhl in net, stood tall and kept the puck out of the net. However, with 14:03 on the clock Minnesota scored to take a 2-0 lead.

A couple minutes after Minnesota went up 2-0, Jackson Schroeder of SPASH went to the box on a questionable hooking call. Wisconsin, in a must needed penalty kill, killed off another penalty and gained some momentum.

With 7:49 remaining in the third period, Adam Sexton of Brookfield scored, with assists by Austin Westergaard and Gabe Braun of St. Mary’s Springs. However, with 3:24 remaining in the third period, Minnesota scored to take a 3-1 lead on a shot that deflected off a couple players and the post.

Wisconsin pulled its goalie in the final minute and scored to make it a one goal game, 2-3. Wisconsin’s last second attempts to tie it up came up short. Minnesota Seniors won 3-2. Minnesota has a 35-23 advantage in shots.

Wisconsin HP-18’s next game is at 4:45PM on Friday, April 26 vs Michigan Seniors.