TRAVERSE CITY -- It was a step in the right direction for Traverse City Friday.
The North Stars inched closer to re-claiming the North Division lead with a 5-4 shootout win over front-running Mahoning Valley at Centre ICE.
Traverse City (17-6-5) entered the night four points behind the Phantoms (19-7-3).
To do so, it took a big comeback.
The North Stars trailed 4-2 late in the third period when coach Anthony Palumbo pulled the goalie.
It worked, as Phil Wendecker scored with 90 seconds remaining. Then just 18 seconds later, team captain Kyle Bonis tied the game with another goal.
In the shootout, David Johnstone was the hero with a goal to seal the victory.
Traverse City now trails Mahoning Valley by just two points and could pull into a tie with a win tonight.
Today's game will be played at Centre ICE at 7:05 p.m.
The North Stars -- who picked up a 6-3 win over Alpena on Wednesday -- will be home again next weekend against Marquette.
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