Coming off a 3-2 season opener win Tuesday against Jamestown, the Grand Forks KnightRiders fell to Minot by the same score Thursday night at Eagles Arena.
Minot kept the puck deep in the Grand Forks zone for much of the first period, but KnightRiders captain Shaley Richards managed to snag the first goal of the game off a breakaway pass from fellow senior Morgan Stenseth at the 9:52 mark.
The KnightRiders, however, found themselves in the penalty box in the second period as they were called for six of the teams’ 10 total penalties tallied. The Majettes capitalized on the multiple extra player advantages as Minot forward Taylyn Cope tied the game at 1-1 at 10:47 of the second.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Again, penalties were our downfall,” said Grand Forks head coach Alex Hedlund. “We have to be more disciplined.”
Stenseth put Grand Forks up 2-1 in the final minute of the second period with a frenzied goal before Minot rallied in the third period with goals by Cope and Abigail Tallman. Minot peppered KnightRiders goaltender Kaylee Baker with 29 shots.
“It was a fantastic back and forth game between two good teams,” said Hedlund. “Hats off to Minot; they were on their game tonight, and pushed us until the end.”
The KnightRiders dropped to 1-1 and will host Devils Lake on Tuesday night at Eagles Arena.
