GAYLORD - Three second-period goals from East Grand Rapids were key as the Pioneers defeated Jeffers 4-2 Saturday in the Gaylord Division 3 Challenge.
Power-play goals from Jake Coretti and Austin Demaull and an even-strength tally for Zac Malewitz helped EGR open a 4-1 lead after two periods.
Travis Wesa pulled a goal back for Jeffers on the power play 30 seconds into the third, but the scoring would end there as the Jets fell to 2-4 on the season.
"I think it was something that the boys needed to see that we are definitely going to look for as much opportunity as we can to challenge ourselves and get better," Jeffers coach David Bekkala said of the tournament, which Jeffers opened by beating the host Blue Devils 8-3 Friday night.
Bekkala was also impressed with goaltender Dylan Sever. Saves weren't available, but Bekkala said Sever made more than just the ordinary saves.
"Dylan Sever kept us in early when we really weren't getting the jump on them," he said.
Dano Goldsworthy also scored for the Jets, recording his seventh goal in the last four games.
Jeffers returns to the ice Friday at Hancock.