Late goal is not enough

The Minnesota Wilderness scored in dramatic fashion to tie the game Saturday, but still fell to the Chippewa Steel in overtime, 4-3.

Peteris Purmalis’ second goal of the game as time expired allowed the Wilderness to even the score at 3-3 and force extra time in Chippewa Falls. Purmalis took advantage of some net-front chaos that was initiated by a shot from Beau Janzig on the left point, as the Wilderness attacked with six skaters and its goaltender on the bench. After a drive from Harper Searles was blocked by Steel netminder Carter Wishart, the puck deflected to Purmalis in the right circle, and he fired it into the back of the net, just as the buzzer blared to end the third period.

The excitement from that dramatic tally was quickly extinguished as the Steel (3-3-0) got a wraparound goal from Tomas Trunda 2:16 into the extra frame.

Minnesota’s power play could not capitalize on its lone opportunity, which came in the second period.

Uberti had arguably his finest game of the season, making several spectacular saves, as he stopped 31 of 35 shots to see his record fall to 1-2-2.

The Steel outshot the Wilderness 35-34.

The Wilderness (1-3-2) will next return to its temporary home at the St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center in Proctor for two evening games this Friday and Saturday against the Springfield Jr. Blues.