Article by Post Bulletin – Jason Feldman 9/16/2018
SAUK RAPIDS — The Rochester Grizzlies were handed a rude welcome to the North American 3 Hockey League on Saturday.
The Granite City Lumberjacks — winners of three of the past six NA3HL championships — scored three times in the first period en route to a 10-0 victory against the Grizzlies in the season opener for both teams. Saturday’s game marked the inaugural contest in Grizzlies history.
Rochester was outshot 47-16, including 17-4 in the opening period and 16-5 in the second, when the Lumberjacks tacked on five more goals.
Grant Troumbly led the way for Granite City, with a hat trick and an assist.
David Mulligan recorded a 16-save shutout for Granite City,
Liam Kelly and Max Closer split time in goal for Rochester. Kelly stopped 25 of the 33 shots he faced through two periods, and Clouser made 12 saves on 14 shots in the third.
Rochester plays its inaugural home games this weekend, when it hosts Evansville (Ind.) on Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Rochester Recreation Center.