The North Iowa Bulls survived a determined comeback attempt by the Granite City Lumberjacks on the way to a 3-2 win.

A goal by Matt Kroska put North Iowa up 3-1 in the third period, but Granite City pulled to within one on Drew Otto's tally 16:48 into the third period.

Kroska had a great game for the Bulls, netting two goals.

North Iowa could not produce up to it normal offensive output. The Bulls put an average of 5.6 pucks into the net per game. North Iowa forced the Lumberjacks goalie Scott Murray to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

North Iowa also got a goal from Eric Behrend as well. In addition, North Iowa received assists from Ron Lindgren, Jared Ramstead, Kyle Gonzalez, Timothy Santopoalo, and Taylor Brown, who each chipped in one.

Granite City was held below its usual level of production. The Lumberjacks average 4.9 goals per game.

Eric Miller also scored for Granite City. More assists for Granite City came via Matt Raiola, who had one and Aidan Verbeke, who had two.

Matthew Bartels rejected 22 shots on goal for the Bulls. North Iowa totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-6 on the power play. Scott Murray made 40 saves for Granite City on 43 shots. The Lumberjacks totaled 19 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play.