Mason City, IA- The Mason City Toros rode a four-goal outburst in the third period to their fourth consecutive win and first of the season over the defending Fraser Cup Champion Granite City Lumberjacks with a 5-2 final.
The Toros opened the scoring midway through the first period with David Loahr punching in a rebound goal off a Zach Laurilla shot. The goal was Loahr’s first goal and point of the season.
Granite City completely controlled the pace and feel of the second period, outshooting the Toros 23-4 in the frame. They capitalized on two special teams opportunities for goals. First, Carson Strapon recorded a power play goal to even the scoring 11:45 into the frame. Then, with one minute left in the stanza, the Lumberjacks jumped on a turnover while shorthanded and Hayden Johnson notched the go-ahead goal ahead of the second intermission.
“Our coaches told us we’re gonna have good and bad periods,” said Dominic Thomas. “We just had to stay the course and regroup after that second period.”
They did exactly that. Toros goals came early and frequently in the final frame. Carter Bollinger took a long range shot from the point that snuck through Lumberjack goalie Sam Schowalter to tie the game 4:25 into the third. Jordan Newpower forced a turnover and drove the go-ahead goal home off his backhand. Later in the third, Dominic Thomas threw the puck towards the net where it banged off Granite City defender Jake Lange’s skate and into the goal for a 4-2 score. Zach Laurilla added the final tally on an empty net rush.
Thomas recorded two assists to go with his goal for a three-point night. Marcus Fritel recorded his first two assists of the season as well.
Devin Peck recorded 35 saves on 37 shots faced in the Toros net.
Sam Schowalter stopped 19 of 24 shots on the Granite City net.
The Toros improve to 5-2. Their 10 points have the team sitting just behind the Rochester Grizzlies in second place in the NA3HL’s West Division.
Mason City and Granite City conclude their weekend on Sunday night at the Mason City Arena. Puck drops at 7:10 PM.
All Mason City Toros games are streamed on NAHLTV.com.
Tickets are available by clicking the link here. A discounted price is available for Sunday’s game by entering the code #Toroswin on adult ticket purchases.