The Cloquet Esko Carlton Lumberjacks gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Superior WI Spartans.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Nate Niemi secured the win for Cloquet Esko Carlton with a goal in the third period.

The Lumberjacks were led by Niemi, who tallied one goal. Niemi scored 12:09 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Cloquet Esko Carlton. Koby Bender picked up the assist.

The defensemen of Cloquet Esko Carlton were also effective in Superior WI's zone, and came away with two goals. The Lumberjacks' offense was clicking better than usual and put 33 shots on goal during the game, better than the 1.6 shot per game they average.

Cloquet Esko Carlton additionally got points from Tanner Robideaux, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Cloquet Esko Carlton also got a goal from Drew Dincau as well. Other players who recorded assists for Cloquet Esko Carlton were Dylan Michaud, who had two and Weston Michaud, Dalton Johnson, and Ryan Lind, who contributed one a piece.

The Spartans' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Cloquet Esko Carlton power plays. Superior WI's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Spartans finished with 16 penalty minutes.

Superior WI was helped by Beau Reder, who grabbed one goal. Reder scored 12:45 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Superior WI. Aaron Miller provided the assist. Superior WI also got points from Daniel Mikel, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Superior WI came via Tyler Krob and Dane Sislo, who each chipped in one.

Justin Ketola recorded 16 saves for Cloquet Esko Carlton. The Lumberjacks incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. The Spartans' Zach Reiswig stopped 29 shots out of the 33 that he faced. Superior WI registered zero goals on two power play opportunities.