SAULT STE MARIE, MI - After falling behind 3-0 in the first period, the Ice Miners were unable to get back into the game and dropped a 4-1 decision to the Soo Eagles on Saturday night at Pullar Stadium. The Eagles clinched a playoff spot and moved three points ahead of Keystone for 2nd place in the North Division. The Ice Miners still need two points to clinch for themselves.

Denver Pierce opened the scoring at 5:05 of the first period, set up by Brad Pung rushing into the zone and slipping him a pass to Nick Kossoff's short side. Trevor Cope then scored twice, first at 7:44 on a powerplay, and then at 16:41 at even strength. Both goals came off deflections - the first from Pung's shot and the second from Darren Brady's. Alex Blankenburg replaced Kossoff to begin the 2nd period and neither team scored in the middle frame.

In the 3rd, Michael Maiden got Keystone on the board with an early goal at the 2:43 mark, set up by linemates Austin Romzek and Matt Jones. The Ice Miners had some chances, including a 5 on 3, but couldn't pull any closer and Darren Brady scored an empty netter at 19:39 to put the game out of reach. Chad Catt got the win, making 25 saves for the Eagles.

The Ice Miners return home to play four of the last five regular season games at the Ice Mine, starting Wednesday night at 7:30 against Johnstown. The first 200 fans through the gate will receive a special St. Patrick's Day Ice Miners wristband couresty of Everson Church of God of Prophecy. Gates open at 6:30 and tickets can be purchased at keystoneiceminershockey.com or by callung 724-628-4847.