MASON CITY, Iowa — Fuji Suzuki led the North Iowa Bulls to a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Bismarck Bobcats at Mason City Arena.
Suzuki, a forward and assistant captain, scored three goals, achieving a hat trick and breaking the team record for most goals in a North American Hockey League (NAHL) season.
Suzuki’s performance began with two goals in the first period, putting the Bulls ahead early. Denis Hodas added another goal, giving the Bulls a 3-0 lead. Bismarck’s Dennis Lominac scored before the end of the period, closing the gap to 3-1.
In the second period, Suzuki scored again on a power play, and Denis Kuzmenkov capitalized on a pass from Suzuki, extending the Bulls’ lead to 5-2.
The Bobcats fought back in the third period with goals from Cam Alemond and George Porier, narrowing the score to 5-4. However, Denis Hodas set up Vitaliy Korolyuk for the final goal, sealing the Bulls’ victory.
Denis Hodas and Brody Dietz celebrated their 100th NAHL games. Dietz, from Hudson, Wisconsin, tied the Bulls’ single-season assists record and set a new record for assists by a defenseman.
Goalkeeper Charlie Durkin contributed with 22 saves, earning his seventh win in his 12th appearance this season.
The Bulls will face the Minnesota Mallards in Forest Lake on Tuesday.