FROM STAFF REPORTS
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Traverse City North Stars scored three unanswered goals in the third-period Wednesday to beat Alpena 3-0 and pull within two points of the North Division lead.
Dan Radke, Eric Rivard and Chris Heineman each netted goals, with Radke's and Rivard's separated by just 14 seconds. Heineman added an empty-netter with 19 seconds left.
Garrett Thompson, Phil Wendecker, Chris Salomone, Kellin Ainsworth, Heineman and Nick Shkreli picked up assists.
Drew Strandberg stopped all 20 shots he faced and the Stars weathered six Alpena power plays without giving up a goal.
Strandberg improved to 19-8-2, posted his third shutout of the year and lowered his goals-against average to 2.45, fifth-best in the NAHL.
The Stars (28-18-5) pulled to within two points of Marquette in the North Division with seven games to play. The first-place Rangers play a pair of games at third-place Janesville this weekend, while the North Stars are idle.
