T-G completed their back to back road games prior to Christmas break traveling up to Duluth to take on the Northern Stars.  This game was in fact 2 games within 1.  The Eagles started strong jumping out to a 3-1 lead, only to see their lead evaporate and Duluth eventually winning the game 5-3.

T-G had the first quality scoring chance when Laura Minkoff hit Amelia Vosen at center ice where she broke in but could not beat Duluth's goaltender Megan Hansen.  The Northern Stars came right back down and got on the scoreboard first just 1:50 into the game on a shot by Claudia Gagnon.  From this point on, the Eagles would control play for the rest of the period.  At 9:15 of the period, Catherine Hegedus fired home the rebound from Amelia Vosen's blast to tie the game.  Allison Parnell also had an assist on the play.  With just under 6 minutes remaining, Allison Parnell sent a centering pass across to Amelia who put in her 8th goal of the season to give T-G a 2-1 lead.  It looked like the Eagles were rolling now.  With exactly one minute remaining in the period and just starting a powerplay opportunity, Molly Adam skillfully redirected Laura Minkoff's shot to increase the T-G advantage to 3-1.  Kristen Dellich also had an assist.  After 1 period, the prospects for the Eagles looked bright.

Duluth opened the second period with a new sense of purpose and determination.  It took just 46 seconds for the Northern Stars to cut the lead to 3-2 on an unassisted goal by Alexia Klaas.  Less than 3 minutes later the game was tied.  At the 7:21 mark, Duluth took the lead on a powerplay goal by Alexia Klaas again.  After 2 periods, T-G was looking up at a 4-3 deficit.

The Eagles had a great opportunity just 1:36 into the third period when a shot by Claire Hill was deflected and was seemingly heading into the net.  Megan Hansen somehow got the shaft of her stick on the puck to redirect it to hit the post and bounce away.  This turned out to be the last best chance for T-G.  Duluth added a shorthanded goal at the 10:46 mark that took away any remaining wind left the Eagles sails.  Shots for the game were 27-22 in favor of the Northern Stars.  Face-offs also played a big part in this game, as Duluth won 32 of 43 draws in the contest.

It was a tough loss for T-G, but they can now put this behind them and look forward to a few days off to celebrate the Christmas holiday before returning to action to take on host Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper in the Armstrong Classic tournament, being held at New Hope Ice Arena on Thursday at 7:00pm.  The Eagles will be looking to improve on their third place finish at last year's tournament.