Oregon Tradesmen began a six-game homestand to wrap up their regular season on Monday hosting the Milwaukee Power. Backed by a strong performance from goaltender Cole Garver the Tradesmen defeated the visitors 5-2.
The two rivals were meeting for the final time this season. With the win Oregon took six of the eight matchups.
Milwaukee got on the scoreboard first when Simon Ellingson scored at 12:21 of the opening frame. The Tradesmen quickly answered to tie it when Abe Lagis scored his third of the season. That’s how the score ended at intermission.
It didn’t take long for Oregon to take the lead though with Brent Edmondson scoring just :15 after puck drop in the second.
A few minutes later Sam VanderHoeven netted his 22nd of the season to make it 3-1. Edmonson and Branwen Pollett assisted on the shorthanded tally.
Down two goals, Milwaukee fought back with a goal near the midway point of the period. That made the score 3-2, but it would be all the Power would get past Garver who made 39 of his 50 saves in the final 40 minutes of the game.
Mac Reed and Edmondson each scored on the powerplay later in the period to make it 5-2. The teams played a scoreless third despite plenty of opportunities for both teams.
Goaltender Cole Garver looking sharp #NA3HL pic.twitter.com/L0CDRyn1bX
— Oregon Tradesmen (@OregonTradesmen) March 16, 2021
Next up for the Tradesmen (16-19-0-0) is a two-game series with the Peoria Mustangs (27-8-1-1). Game one is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursday. The teams will wrap up their season series on Friday again at 7:30 PM.