Former Big 9 Conference standouts lead Rochester Grizzlies to win, first place in division
Nov. 5—ROCHESTER — Spencer Klotz, Andrew Bastian, Matt Haun and Tate Cothern were rivals on four different teams during their high school hockey days.
Saturday, the four former Big Nine Conference standouts combined to help the Rochester Grizzlies take sole possession of first place in the North American 3 Hockey League West Division standings.
Klotz (Northfield High School), Bastian (Mankato East) and Haun (Century) all scored once each and Cothern (Mayo) was outstanding in goal, making 34 saves as the Grizzlies beat division rival Alexandria 3-1 at the Rochester Recreation Center.
The win keeps the Grizzlies (11-2-1 overall) alone in first place in the NA3HL West, just ahead of Granite City (10-4-0) and Alexandria (9-3-1).
Cothern was on his game Saturday, stopping nine shots in the first period, 14 in the second and 11 in the third. The Grizzlies had built a 3-0 lead by the time Cothern allowed the only Blizzard goal of the night, an even-strength goal by Chris Fotopoulos with 9:55 remaining.
Rochester built its lead as Klotz scored on a power play just 1:03 into the second period, then he set up Bastian's sixth goal of the season with 5:45 to play in the second. Haun added his fifth goal and 12th point of the season — the former Century standout blue-liner is fourth on the team in scoring — 8:24 into the third.
Cothern took care of the rest, improving to 3-1-1 this season.
The Grizzlies play a matinee game at the Mason City (Iowa) Toros at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, then play at Willmar at 7:10 p.m. Saturday. Their next home game is set for 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, against Willmar.
BOX SCORE: Rochester Grizzlies 3, Alexandria Blizzard 1
