MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Aberdeen Cougars responded to Moorhead’s first two goals, but were unable to match the third Sunday morning.

Moorhead edged the Cougars 3-2 in the semifinals of the Junior Gold boys’ hockey tournament, ending a solid run by the Aberdeen squad throughout the tournament.

“It was a tough loss to a good Moorhead team,” said Aberdeen coach Jeremey Backous. “We had plenty of chances, but just couldn’t get the game-tying goal.”

Moorhead scored first and never trailed in the contest.

Talan Dutenhoeffer matched the Minnesotan’s first goal in less than a minute in the opening period. When Moorhead scored again in the second period, Brady Huff responded less than four minutes later and leveled the game again.

However, when Moorhead added another goal in the third period, the Cougars were unable to find the equalizer.

Jaxon Danielson assisted on both of Aberdeen’s goals in the contest.

The tourney saw Aberdeen outscore its five opponents 30-9 over three days.

“All in all, it was a great weekend for the boys,” Backous said.

The Cougars, 9-3, return to the ice this weekend when they host Watertown at 8 p.m. Friday at the Odde Ice Center.

Aberdeen Cougars 1 1 0 – 2

Moorhead 1 1 1 – 3

First Period: 1, M, Brock Noyes (Connor Kuntz), 5:10; 2, AC, Talan Dutenhoeffer (Jaxon Danielson), 4:12.

Second Period: 3, M, Quinn Tweten (Jack Holmberg, Jace Walters), 14:03; 4, AC, Brady Huff (Lleyton Kleffman, Danielson), 10:26.

Third Period: 5, M, Evan Carr (Ayden Bernard), 13:04.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 23; Moorhead 22.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (20 saves); Moorhead, Nathan Olson (20 saves).