Blue Jays beat GF again

Coming into the season, Jamestown had never beaten Grand Forks in girls hockey.

Now, the Blue Jays have a winning streak against the Knightriders.

Jamestown broke a 2-all third period tie by scoring three straight goals en route to a 5-3 win Friday at the Crookston Holiday. The Blue Jays, who improved to 8-2 with the win, beat Grand Forks for the second time in 13 days.

“It all goes back to January 30 last year when we beat Bismarck. The girls realized then they could beat good teams and since then they’ve never gone into a game thinking anything other than that they can win,” JHS coach Brad Schaack said. “It really doesn’t matter who we play. These girls have a lot of confidence and they think they can win.”

Friday’s win over the state-leading Knightriders was further proof of that.

The Blue Jays head into the New Year in third place in the standings, trailing only Grand Forks and unbeaten West Fargo.

“We played two good games here. We ran into a hot goalie (Thursday), but the effort was there both days,” Schaack said. “I got nothing to complain about.”

Amber Schaack scored the game’s first goal early in the second period. Promising seventh-grader Elly Millender followed 12 minutes later to make it 2-0 JHS.

Grand Forks got the next two goals that leveled it at 2-all with 15 minutes left in regulation. But from there the Knightriders kept marching themselves into the penalty box and the Blue Jays capitalized. After going 0-for-6 on their first power play chances Brenna Pritchert (7:34), Millender (10:30) and Torri Kamlitz (13:50) each scored one skater up as Jamestown pulled away.

“Our girls played disciplined hockey, unlike the way their coach used to play,” Schaack deadpanned. “I’m glad they do as I say, not as I did.”

Grand Forks rang up nine penalties, including one five-minute major. The Blue Jays were whistled just once.

Carissa Finck was steady in goal again, stopping 32 of the 33 shots she faced.

Schaack also singled out youngsters Sydney Soulis, Jade Schafer and Haley Schnaidt, who each logged time for the short-handed Jays.

“Those girls don’t back down from anybody. … It’s good to get them out there and get some experience.”

Amber Schaack and Larissa Wiest each earned assists for the Blue Jays, who get a few days off before ramping back up in advance of their home game Jan. 3 against Mandan.

Crookston Holiday Tournament

Jamestown 5, Grand Forks 3

Jamestown 0 2 3 — 5

Grand Forks 0 1 2 — 3

Scoring summary

First period

No scoring

Second period

1, JHS, Amber Schaack (Larissa Wiest) 3:14; 2, JHS, Elly Millender 15:58; 3, GF, Christina Schlosser (Lexi O’Halloran, Tori Christian) 16:13.

Third period

4, GF, Brittany Becker 1:54; 5, JHS, Brenna Pritchert (Schaack, Wiest), PP, 7:34; 6, JHS, Millender (Schaack, Wiest), PP, 10:30; 7, JHS, Torri Kamlitz, PP, 13:50; 8, GF, Shelby Brossart 16:55.

Goalie saves: JHS, Carissa Finck 10-12-10—32; Grand Forks, Bre Swendseid 4-5-13—22.

Penalties: Jamestown 1 for 2 minutes; Grand Forks 9 for 21 minutes.

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at dselvig@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jays, hockey