Jeff McFarland scored a pair of second-period goals and Joey Ballmer stopped 23 shots to help the Jamestown Ironmen end their winless streak with a 4-3 North american Hockey League victory over the Traverse City North Stars at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
The Ironmen have struggled to find offense in recent weeks with only six goals in the previous five games. Those struggles disappeared on Friday as they scored four times for the first time since a 4-2 win over Traverse City on New Year's Eve.
Jamestown started the scoring with an early first-period goal by Luc Gerdes that came just seconds after an Ironmen power play expired.
Traverse City answered back with a power-play goal late in the period by Eric Rivard.
Traverse City took an early second-period lead, but Jeff McFarland took over the game at that point. He created a power play after a burst of speed created a scoring chance that was disrupted by a hooking call on Jake Peacock. McFarland netted his first of the night on the ensuing power play as he parked himself in front of Kyle Laslo and deflected a shot by Anthony Coles that tied the score at 2-2.
McFarland gave Jamestown back the lead on a slap shot from the left faceoff circle that beat Laslo over the top shoulder.
The Ironmen extended their lead in the third period with their second power-play goal of the night. Blake Kelley was able to find the back of the net after a wild scramble in front of the North Stars' net.
The North Stars were able to climb back within one goal as Eric Rivard netted his second of the night but the Ironmen were able to hang on for the victory.
The Ironmen continue their push to the playoffs on tonight against Traverse City at 7:05 p.m, they will conclude the regular-season home schedule with a Sunday game at 2 p.m. against Traverse City.