By Mark McKenzie

BISMARCK – The Blue Jay boys hockey season is over after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to the top seed Bismarck Century in a state qualifying game at the West Region Tournament in Bismarck on Saturday.

The Jays carried a 1-0 lead into the third period, but the Patriots peppered Jamestown goalie Louis Kjellberg with 22 shots in the final 17 minutes and knocked in two goals courtesy of senior Hayden Ritter, his fifth of the season, and the game winner from sophomore Keaton Schulte, his fourth of the season. Schulte’s goal came with only seven minutes to go.

After a scoreless first period, the Jays struck on a breakaway goal from junior Nate Walz, his 14th of the season, midway through period two.

Century outshot Jamestown 42-15 for the game, including holding the Jays to only one shot on net in the third. Kjellberg was phenomenal the entire game and finished with 40 saves.

The Blue Jays end the season at 11-13. The Patriots, 19-5, advance to the state boys hockey tournament in Fargo February 22-24 and will be the number three seed from the West Region.