Minnesota records 3rd straight win as Dream Gap Tour rolls into St. Louis

Kelly Pannek picked up a goal and two assists to propel Minnesota to a 3-1 victory over New Hampshire as the Dream Gap Tour returned to action.

Sunday's game was the first of a back-to-back series as the barnstorming series — which was created by the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) — continued its showcase tour at Centene Community Ice Center in suburban St. Louis.

Minnesota picked up its third straight win on the tour and a commanding lead in the standings. The team swept the previous series in Chicago and split the two-game set in New York, all against New Hampshire.

The first period saw frustration on both sides following a plethora of missed opportunities, but both teams were able to convert on chances in the second.

WATCH | PWHPA Dream Gap Tour: Team Adidas vs Team Women's Sports Foundation:

Dani Cameranesi opened the scoring for Minnesota with a shorthanded mark six minutes into the second period. Pannek and Lee Stecklein picked up assists on the goal.

New Hampshire responded with a goal from Amanda Kessel, while Hayley Scamurra and Brianna Decker assisted on the marker.

But the decisive third frame belonged entirely to Minnesota. Sydney Brodt scored the go-ahead goal thanks to support from Pannek and Cameranesi . Pannek then sealed the contest with an empty-net goal with 55.3 seconds remaining in the period.

WATCH | Sydney Brodt scores go-ahead goal for Team Adidas to go up 2-1 in 3rd period:

The series continues Monday at the Enterprise Centre, home of the NHL's St. Louis Blues. CBC Sports will livestream the game beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Pandemic-related restrictions have sidelined the three Canadian teams on the Dream Gap Tour so far — but Toronto, Calgary and Montreal will be in action as the tour heads to Calgary later this month.