Published: September 19, 2009 09:25 pm      

North Stars win Showcase finale

Strandberg makes 27 saves in win over Bismarck

BLAINE, Minn. -- Traverse City finished off the NAHL Showcase Saturday with a 4-1 win over Bismarck.

The North Stars (4-2) went 3-1 at the tournament for the second straight year.

In Saturday's win, Andy Huff scored on a Kellin Ainsworth assist just 75 seconds into the game. It was his team-best fifth goal.

Sean Burke, Josh Miller and Eric Rivard all added goals in the first period as Burke, Bo Jacobs, Dan Radke, Tim Opie and Eric McLintock had assists.

Bismarck (0-2-2) got on the scoreboard in the third period with a Ryan Jacobsen goal.

Traverse City's Drew Strandberg made 27 saves to earn the win in net. Strandberg, who posted his first shutout victory on Wednesday, reduced his goals-against average to 2.00 while pumping his save percentage to .909 through four starts.

The North Stars are off until Sept. 26 at Motor City. They return to Traverse City for their home opener on Sept. 29 against Wenatchee.