The River Lakes Stars gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jake Herges's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Herges was all over the ice for River Lakes, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Herges scored the first of his two goals at 11:00 into the second period to make the score 3-2 River Lakes. Herges' next tally made the score 4-2 River Lakes with 13:38 left in the third period.

The Stars' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato power plays. River Lakes forced Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato goalie Braeden Wahl to work between the pipes, taking 46 shots.

Joe Spaulding also scored for River Lakes. In addition, River Lakes received assists from Stefan Tomovic and Daiton Johnson, who contributed one a piece.

The Dragons were helped by Aaron Haataja, who racked up one goal. Haataja scored 3:37 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato. Garrett Impola assisted on the tally. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato also got a goal from Kent Ryynanen as well. Other players who recorded assists for Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato were Chad Johnson, who had one.

Chris Skluzacek made 21 saves for the Stars on 23 shots. River Lakes incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Wahl recorded 42 saves for Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato. The Dragons ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major. For Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Eddie Estrada was ejected from the game.