Best Shots of the Game; Peoria uses early goal to top Columbus, 2-1

Peoria took over the lead for good with a goal by Morra at 9:33 in the first period. A roughing call on Zach Hale put the Rivermen on the penalty kill. Dan Bremner picked up the assist.Peoria was led by goalie Kyle Rank, who finished with 37 saves while allowing one goal. Rank certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.91 entering the contest.

The Rivermen were led by Walker Wintoneak, who finished with one goal. Wintoneak scored on the power play 11:48 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Peoria. A hooking penalty on Kyle Shapiro had put Peoria on the power play. Matt Summers assisted on the tally.

The Rivermen put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Columbus to score on any of its three power plays. Peoria’s offense was clicking better than usual and put 37 shots on goal during the game, better than the 26.8 shots per game it averages.

The Cottonmouths put 38 shots on net during the contest, more than the 29.0 they average per game.

Columbus was led by Shawn Bates, who scored the team’s only goal. Bates scored 15:37 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Peoria. John Jackson picked up the assist.

The Rivermen incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Brandon Jaeger rejected 35 shots on goal for the Cottonmouths. Columbus incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.

Text courtesy of official SPHL media release