JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The University of Minnesota Crookston hockey program lifted the lid on a new era on the ice with a 5-3 win over University of Jamestown at John L. Wilson Arena in Jamestown, N.D. The game was the first for the Golden Eagles as they returned to competitive hockey as a member of ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division II. UMN Crookston previously competed at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) level with the last season taking place in 2008-09.

The Golden Eagles are led by a junior hockey coaching legend in Head Coach Steve Johnson, who was a three-time USHL Coach of the Year while coaching the Lincoln Stars and Fargo Force. Johnson helped his team to two Clark Cup titles. 

The Golden Eagles and Jimmies were knotted up 0-0 after a closely contested first period. Minnesota Crookston put eight shots on goal in the first 20 minutes with Jamestown netminder Chase Engebretson tallying eight saves. The Jimmies had three shots on goal in the opening period with Golden Eagle goalie Jake Sumner (Fr., G, Alta Loma, Calif.) notching three saves.

The two teams would have scoring barrage in the second period. Jamestown opened up the scoring at the 18:39 mark of the second period as Braeden Thomas found the back of the net off assists from Keaton Cline and Gunnar Gibbs. The Golden Eagles responded at the 12:00 mark with a power-play goal from University of Wisconsin-Stout transfer Cam Olstad (So., F, Grand Forks, N.D.) off assists from Josh Nelson (Fr., D, East Grand Forks, Minn.) and Casey Kallock (Jr., D, East Grand Forks, Minn. UMN Crookston struck again just 27 seconds later as Brandon Boetcher (So., F, Crookston, Minn.) found the back of the net on a rocket off a Nelson assist at the 11:33 mark. Jamestown evened the tally at 2-2 with 10:46 remaining in the second period when Gibbs scored off assists from Cline and Thomas. Kallock had the final answer in the second period as Olstad found him for the power-play goal near the end of the frame.

Minnesota Crookston had three goals in the second period with seven shots on goal. Jamestown notched two goals on nine shots on goal as the Golden Eagles led 3-2 going into the final frame.

The Golden Eagles pushed their lead out to 4-2 early in the third period as Kallock again found the back of the net at the 16:11 mark. Minnesota Crookston extended their advantage to 5-2 at the 10:49 mark when Tyler Zahradka (Fr., F, Grand Forks, N.D.) scored off a Kallock assist. Jamestown looked to make the comeback as Chris Wracker scored with 6:53 remaining with assists from Cline and Thomas. However, Sumner put a stop to any chance of a Jamestown comeback as the Golden Eagles won 5-3.

Minnesota Crookston had 23 shots on goal compared to 29 for Jamestown. The Golden Eagles were 2-of-9 on power-play opportunities, while the Jimmies were 1-of-8.

In net, Sumner finished with 26 saves and three goals allowed, while Engebretson allowed four goals with 13 saves and Jimmy Grosklaus had one goal against and five saves.

UMN Crookston was guided by Kallock, who had two goals and two assists. Olstad finished with one goal and one assist. Nelson tallied two assists, while Zahradka and Boetcher each added goals. Jamestown was paced by Thomas with a goal and two assists. Gibbs added a goal and an assist. Cline tallied three assists, while Wracker notched a goal.

Minnesota Crookston moves to 1-0 on the year. Jamestown falls to 4-11-1 on the season.

The Golden Eagles return to action against the Jimmies Sun., Jan. 10 with a 4 p.m. puck drop in Jamestown, N.D.


FINAL University of Minnesota Crookston 5 University of Jamestown 3
 
University of Jamestown                                  0          2          1          - 3
University of Minnesota Crookston                  0          3          2          - 5
 
First Period
Second Period
1. UJ, Braeden Thomas 1 (Keaton Cline, Gunnar Gibbs), 18:39 2. UMC, Cam Olstad 1 (Josh Nelson, Casey Kallock), ppg 12:00 3. UMC, Brandon Boetcher (Nelson), 11:33 4. UJ, Gibbs (Cline, Thomas), ppg 10:46 5. UMC, Casey Kallock 1 (Olstad), ppg 0:20
 
Third Period
6. UMC, Kallock, 16:11 7. UMC, Tyler Zahradka (Kallock), 10:49 8. UJ, Chris Wracker (Cline, Thomas), 6:53
 
Shots on Goal: UJ 3-9-17 29. UMC 8-7-8 23.
 
Penalties: UJ 10 for 20:00. UMC 9 for 26:00.
 
Power play opportunities: UJ 1 for 8. UMC 2 for 9.
 
Goalies: UJ Chase Engebretson (17 shots – 4 GA – 13 saves) Jimmy Grosklaus 6 shots – 1 GA – 5 saves. UMC Jake Sumner (29 shots – 3 GA - 26 saves).