Pat Mahoney scored the game-winning goal on a defensive blunder to give Duluth Marshall a 3-2 win over Duluth Denfeld in a high school boys hockey game tonight at the DECC, a win that puts the Hilltoppers in control of the Lake Superior Conference.
Mahoney, a junior forward, scored when defenseman Trent Johnson gave away the puck right in front of his own crease and Denfeld goaltender Brad Skurich had no time to react at 11:16 of the third period. The short-handed goal culminated a rough night for the Hunters' power play. Denfeld was 1-for-6 with the extra attacker.
Defenseman Derek Randall gave Marshall a short-lived 2-1 lead after David Hafferty circled the net and left the puck for Randall in the right circle. His slap shot beat Skurich at 9:34.
Denfeld tied the score 19 seconds later on Frank Cederstrom's goal.
Chris Stafne's power-play goal late in the second period gave Denfeld a 1-1 tie. Jake Johnson set up an on-rushing Stafne from behind the Hilltoppers net and the senior center scored from the slot for his Northland-leading 36th goal of the season at 13:47.
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Senior forward Tom Paine gave Marshall a 1-0 lead at 2:31 of the second when his wrist shot from the right circle beat Skurich up high.
Both goalies made several excellent saves. Marshall's Willie Paul finished with 23; Skurich had 17.
Duluth Marshall;0-1-2--3
Duluth Denfeld;0-1-1--2
First period -- No scoring.
Second period -- 1. DM, Tom Paine, 2:31; 2. DD, Chris Stafne (Jake Johnson, Cody Hotchkin), 13:47 (pp).
Third period -- 3. DM, Derek Randall (David Hafferty), 9:34; 4. DD, Frank Cederstrom, 9:53; 5. DM, Pat Mahoney, 11:16 (sh).
Saves -- Willie Paul, DM, 23; Brad Skurich, DD, 17.
