THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – Blair Lindholm’s third-period goal proved to be the difference on Tuesday night, helping the Thief River Falls Norskies grab Game 1 of their SIJHL semifinal series against the visiting Thunder Bay North Stars.
Lindholm beat Thunder Bay goaltender Brandon Bodnar at 11:48 of the final frame, the Norskies taking a 2-1 lead that held up the rest of the way.
Michael Johnson and Thunder Bay’s Alex Leonidas traded goals four minutes apart in the second, after the two teams played a scoreless first.
Bodnar made 29 saves in the loss, while Thief River Falls goaltender Bailey Schmitz stopped 31 of 32 shots directed his way.
Game 2 goes on Wednesday night at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night at Fort William Gardens.